Stroke is a medical emergency which requires immediate medical attention and action. During a stroke, the brain stops receiving adequate amounts of blood and oxygen due to either a blood vessel rupture or blockage in blood supply. Symptoms like sudden paralysis or numbness in some parts of the body, blurred vision, confusion, troubled speaking and dizziness are observed. The brain damage induced by a stroke can be devastating and sometimes, permanent as well in the absence of early diagnosis and intervention. Therefore, prompt stroke treatment is crucial to minimise the damage and potential complications.

Possible Complications:

Temporary or permanent complications may occur, if the patient does not receive the treatment well in time. Some common complications are:

• Paralysis
• Problem in swallowing
• Seizures
• Depression and emotional changes
• Speech disorders
• Severe headaches

The occurrence of these disabilities and complications also depends on the part of the brain affected during the stroke.

When to See a Doctor?

Stroke has been related to the phrase "time equals brain" because a delay by every second in the stroke treatment leads to more brain damage. But sometimes, patients tend to ignore the signs and symptoms of a stroke as they are mostly painless. Therefore, before the intervention of a doctor or a hospital, it is the responsibility of the patient and their family to recognise stroke symptoms and reach the hospital well in time. Remember to take a "FAST" action in such a situation and check the following:

• Face Drooping: Check if the person’s face is drooping. Ask them to smile and check if their smile is normal or not. Also, check if they feel any numbness in some part of the face.
• Arm Weakness: Check if the person feels sudden numbness or weakness in one of the arms. Ask them to raise both arms in the air and check if one drifts downwards.
• Speech Difficulty: Check if the person’s speech is slurred. Ask them to say a simple phrase and check if they are unable to speak clearly and normally.
• Time to Call Emergency Helpline Number. If a person shows some of these symptoms, do not take any chance and dial HJ Hospitals’ emergency number +243 815 586 555 immediately. Even if the symptoms seem to go away, quick medical help is required to limit the brain damage and improve recovery time. Also, note the time when the symptoms started appearing.

Stroke Treatment and COVID-19

In the times of COVID-19, when the whole world is struck by a sudden pause, availing proper healthcare facilities has become all the more difficult. It is suggested to take teleconsultations, if possible, to avoid exposure to this global pandemic, but serious conditions like a stroke need an urgent visit to a hospital. Considering this, HJ Hospitals maintain a safe environment across all our facilities for a secure visit and treatment during the time of the pandemic. We ensure 100% safe premises for our staff and visitors by following strict safety protocols like thermal screenings at all entrances and regular sanitisation. Therefore, you can avail top medical facilities at HJ Hospitals without the risk of COVID-19 infection. Also, the emergency ward is manned by expert doctors and clinical staff round-the-clock and is well-equipped for stroke treatment with state-of-the-art technology. Our neurologists and stroke physicians stay on standby 24x7 for expert care during a medical emergency. Kindly note that no prior check-up appointment is needed for such emergency cases. So, if you or your loved ones are in need of a critical healthcare facility, dial +243 815 586 555, emergency helpline of HJ Hospitals, or rush to your nearest HJ hospital or clinic, without worrying about the COVID-19 situation as your safety is our priority.