Treatment of stroke in the acute phase
1. What is a stroke (CVA)?
It is the disruption of the function of an area of the brain due to either the interruption of blood flow (Ischemic Stroke) or the presence of bleeding in the brain after a vessel ruptures (Hemorrhagic Stroke)
Ischemic strokes account for 80% of all strokes and hemorrhagic strokes account for 20%.
2. What are the symptoms of a stroke?
The symptoms of a stroke appear suddenly and are usually the following:
- Weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, mainly on one side of the body
- Facial weakness (face droops)
- Speech difficulties
- Visual disturbances in one or both eyes
- Severe headache
- Unsteadiness in walking
- Dizziness or Vertigo
- Loss of consciousness
3. What is a transient ischemic attack?
A transient ischemic attack is a stroke whose symptoms resolve within 24 hours, but usually within a few minutes, from the moment they appear.
4. What should we do when we suspect that we have suffered a stroke?
In all cases (even in transient cases), immediate transfer to an organized clinic with a special stroke unit is imperative.
5. What are the possibilities in these units?
These units offer the possibility of Intravenous Thrombolysis, which can be performed up to 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms. This treatment is non-invasive and is performed by intravenous administration of a special drug.
Mechanical thrombectomy which can be performed up to 6 hours from the onset of symptoms. During this procedure, the clot is removed through a catheter inserted through a vessel of the lower limb.
Both of these treatments aim to restore blood flow, resulting in a reduction in deaths and disability.
The above techniques are only applied in the case of ischemic stroke. Regarding hemorrhagic strokes, the possibility of conservative treatment by specialized personnel, hospitalization in an Intensive Care Unit and collaboration with the Neurosurgery Department is provided, if deemed necessary.
6. Does the Palaio Faliro Hospital have the possibility of treating a stroke?
At the I.P.F. An organized Neurology clinic operates with a daily presence of a neurologist in the emergency department. Also, a suitably equipped imaging department (CT scanner, MRI scanner, Digital angiograph, Interventional radiologist) as well as an ICU are available, thus allowing the excellent treatment of strokes with the above methods
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