Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a bleeding in the brain. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of stroke can help reduce the risk of serious complications and long-term disability.

At Acute Stroke Unit we provide:

• Thrombolysis treatment – treatment is started in the Emergency Department and you will have the rest of your treatment and monitoring on the Acute Stroke Unit.
• Acute monitoring up to the first 72 hours, as required. We may need to monitor your blood pressure, pulse, breathing rate, oxygen levels, conscious level, and temperature.
• Investigations to identify the type of stroke you have had, and possible reasons for your stroke. We have close links with neuroradiology and neurosurgery departments to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Early assessment and rehabilitation by therapists. We set some early goals for therapy which are usually related to feeding, sitting balance, and mobility.
• High-risk TIA patients may need to be admitted to the ward for monitoring.

The management of stroke involves several steps, including:

• Recognition of stroke symptoms:

Symptoms of stroke include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems in one or both eyes, a severe headache, and difficulty walking. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

• Rapid assessment and triage:

When a patient arrives at the emergency department with suspected stroke symptoms, the healthcare team will perform a rapid assessment to determine the type of stroke and the best course of treatment. This may include a CT scan or MRI of the brain, an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems, and blood tests to check for clotting disorders or other underlying conditions.

• Treatment:

The treatment of stroke depends on the type of stroke and the patient’s individual circumstances. The main types of stroke are ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blocked blood vessel, and hemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding in the brain.

• Ischemic stroke: 

If the stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel, treatment may include administering a clot-busting drug, such as tPA, to break up the clot and restore blood flow to the brain. In some cases, a procedure called endovascular thrombectomy may be performed to remove the clot.

• Hemorrhagic stroke: 

If the stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain, treatment may include medication to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of further bleeding, as well as surgery to repair the blood vessel that has ruptured.

• Rehabilitation:

After a stroke, patients may experience physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that can affect their ability to perform daily activities. Rehabilitation can help patients regain as much function as possible and adjust to any permanent changes. Rehabilitation services can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support.

It’s important to remember that stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute counts when it comes to treatment. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, call SGH emergency services immediately. With prompt treatment and rehabilitation, many people can recover from stroke and regain their independence.