Strokes represent a significant health concern and are a leading cause of death and disability globally. However, according to a medical expert in Abu Dhabi, taking prompt action can make a difference and save lives.

The World Health Organization reports that a quarter of the global population is at risk of suffering a stroke, and the incidence of strokes is increasing worldwide. Non-communicable conditions like hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity are the primary risk factors for strokes. Certain habits, such as smoking and excessive consumption of energy drinks, independently elevate the risk of strokes. Lifestyle changes are crucial for reducing risk, even in the presence of non-modifiable risk factors like advancing age and genetic predisposition.

Despite being the second leading cause of death worldwide and the third-highest cause of disability, the encouraging fact is that 80% of strokes are preventable. Timely action is also a lifesaver, so it's vital to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Dr. Victoria Mifsud, a staff physician in the Neurological Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), emphasizes the importance of taking immediate action. She highlights the FAST acronym for identifying stroke symptoms:

• Face: Check if one side of the face droops.
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms, or does one arm drop?
• Speech: Is the person able to speak, or is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: Time is of the essence. Call 999 immediately if you observe any of these signs.

It's worth noting that stroke symptoms can differ for women and are often more subtle. Unexplained loss of function accompanied by fatigue, confusion, general weakness, nausea, severe headache, and vomiting could be indicative of a stroke.

Hormonal changes like menopause, pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, and the use of certain birth control pills can all increase the risk of stroke in women. Being aware of these factors can help people around them watch for warning signs. In all cases, it is crucial to get a stroke victim to a medical facility for treatment.

To raise awareness about stroke risks and symptoms and encourage the community to stay informed, Dr. Mifsud emphasized, "Up to 80% of strokes are ischemic, meaning that a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. If a patient arrives at the hospital within four hours of a stroke, we can administer clot-busting medication to remove the clot and restore blood flow, preventing further brain cell damage. For some individuals, a catheter-based procedure to break up the clot may be necessary and should be performed within 24 hours of symptom onset."

For hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel ruptures, managing blood pressure is crucial. Doctors may use medications or opt for surgery to reduce pressure on the brain.

In severe cases, CCAD utilizes a cutting-edge innovation, the ARTIS Icono, which is the most advanced stroke interventional system in the region. It incorporates 2D and 3D imaging with artificial intelligence, providing benefits such as exceptional image quality, real-time reconstruction management, time savings, and reduced radiation exposure for the patient.