Stroke Clinic

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin dying within minutes, making stroke a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. There are two main types: ischemic stroke (caused by blood clots blocking brain arteries) and hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain). Strokes can cause permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or death. Recognizing symptoms quickly (sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, vision problems, severe headache) and seeking immediate treatment significantly improves outcomes.

Strokes develop through various vascular problems and risk factors:

• High Blood Pressure: Leading cause of strokes, damaging blood vessels over time
• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arteries narrowing blood vessels and forming clots
• Heart Disease: Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac conditions creating clots that travel to the brain
• Diabetes: High blood sugar damaging blood vessels and increasing clot formation
• High Cholesterol: Elevated lipids contributing to arterial plaque formation
• Smoking: Tobacco use doubling stroke risk by damaging vessels and promoting clots
• Obesity: Excess weight increasing multiple stroke risk factors
• Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle contributing to cardiovascular risk
• Excessive Alcohol: Heavy drinking raising blood pressure and promoting bleeding strokes
• Previous Stroke or TIA: Prior events significantly increasing future stroke risk
• Age and Family History: Risk increasing with age and genetic predisposition

Specialized stroke care from emergency to rehabilitation:

• Emergency Stroke Care: Immediate assessment using CT/MRI brain imaging and stroke protocols
• Thrombolytic Therapy Coordination: Rapid clot-busting treatment for eligible ischemic stroke patients
• Stroke Unit Care: Dedicated monitoring and management in specialized stroke care area
• Neurological Assessment: Detailed evaluation of stroke effects on movement, speech, and cognition
• Risk Factor Management: Aggressive treatment of hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and other risks
• Antiplatelet/Anticoagulation Therapy: Medications to prevent future strokes
• Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy coordination
• Swallowing Assessment: Evaluation and management of post-stroke swallowing difficulties
• Secondary Prevention: Comprehensive strategies to prevent recurrent strokes
• TIA Management: Urgent evaluation and treatment of transient ischemic attacks
• Long-term Monitoring: Regular follow-ups tracking recovery and preventing complications
• Caregiver Education: Teaching family members about stroke care and warning signs