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Stroke Expert in Abu Dhabi Urges Timely Action to Save Lives

In Abu Dhabi, medical experts are sounding the alarm on the rising incidence of strokes and the need for prompt action in order to save lives. According to Dr. Victoria Mifsud, a staff physician in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), as per the World Health Organization, a fourth of all people are at risk of experiencing a stroke. The risk factors for stroke include non-communicable conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity. But there are also lifestyle factors, such as smoking and the excessive consumption of energy drinks, that independently elevate stroke risk.

The good news is that 80% of strokes are preventable and timely action saves lives. Dr. Mifsud has urged the community to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, which can lead to a loss of up 2 million brain cells a minute.

CCAD is one of the two facilities in Abu Dhabi designated as the official stroke centre by the Department of Health. Dr. Mifsud stressed the importance of prompt action and access to treatments, including medications and interventions, when timely action is taken.

Dr. Mifsud mentioned that World Stroke Day falls on October 29 and urged communities to be aware of stroke symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention upon the onset of stroke symptoms.

Identifying stroke symptoms using the simple acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. was also mentioned. This stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time, indicating key symptoms to watch out for.

It was noted that up to 80% of strokes are ischemic, meaning that blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot. In many cases, this can be treated by administering a clot-buster medication to extract the blood clot and restore blood flow, preventing the death of more brain cells.

Hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel bursts, require different treatment, such as blood pressure management and even surgery to reduce pressure on the brain.

Dr. Mifsud also pointed out that hormonal changes like menopause, pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and the use of some birth control pills can heighten the risk of stroke in women, with symptoms being subtler. It was highlighted that being aware of these symptoms and risks could help to prevent long-term consequences and save lives.

In Abu Dhabi, healthcare facilities like CCAD are making use of advanced technology to enhance diagnosis and treatment of stroke, including the ARTIS Icono, a leading innovation in stroke interventional systems in the region.

Raising awareness about the risks and symptoms of stroke, the urgent need for prompt action and best practices in stroke treatment were emphasized, as the medical community in Abu Dhabi works to combat the rising incidence of stroke.