Stroke Center

The Stroke Center at Biruni Hospital provides rapid, comprehensive, and personalized care for patients experiencing a stroke. Our multidisciplinary team including neurologists, radiologists, rehabilitation specialists, and nurses works around the clock to ensure the best possible recovery and to minimize long-term complications.

We combine advanced technology, fast-response protocols, and a continuum of care that covers emergency treatment through full rehabilitation.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This causes brain cells to begin dying within minutes, making it a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of Stroke

Stroke signs often appear suddenly and may include the following:

• Facial Drooping :  One side of the face may appear uneven or numb, and the smile may be asymmetric.
• Arm Weakness : Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm, making it difficult or impossible to lift.
• Speech Impairment : Slurred, garbled, or incoherent speech, or difficulty understanding spoken language.
• Visual Disturbances : Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Severe Headache : A sudden, intense headache with no known cause, often described as the worst headache experienced.
• Loss of Balance or Coordination : Difficulty walking, dizziness, sudden falls, or loss of coordination.
• Numbness or Weakness : Sudden numbness or loss of strength, typically on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
• Cognitive or Confusional Changes : Sudden confusion, disorientation, or difficulty understanding or responding appropriately.
• Loss of Consciousness : In severe cases, fainting or sudden unconsciousness may occur.

Recognizing Stroke Quickly with FAST

The acronym FAST helps identify stroke symptoms quickly:

• F :  Face drooping
• A :  Arm weakness
• S : Speech difficulties
• T :  Time to seek emergency medical attention ( call 911 immediately ) 

Prompt recognition and immediate medical intervention are crucial to prevent long-term disability and improve outcomes.

Causes of stroke

Strokes can result from problems that either block blood flow to the brain or cause bleeding within it. Each mechanism has specific underlying factors that increase the risk of a stroke.

Causes of Ischemic stroke

Ischemic strokes are the most common, caused by an obstruction in an artery supplying the brain. Common contributing factors include:

• Artery narrowing (Atherosclerosis): The buildup of fatty deposits and plaque in the artery walls can restrict blood flow. In some cases, fragments from the plaque may break off and travel to the brain, causing a blockage.

• Blockage in neck or brain arteries: Narrowing or clot formation in the carotid, vertebral, or large intracranial arteries can trigger a stroke.

• Small vessel disease: Damage to tiny blood vessels in the brain, often related to high blood pressure or other vascular risk factors, may lead to stroke.

• Embolism: Blood clots or debris originating elsewhere in the body, frequently from the heart, can travel to the brain and obstruct blood flow.

• Arterial dissection: A tear in the wall of a neck or brain artery can disrupt circulation or release a clot, sometimes causing stroke in younger patients. Dissections may follow trauma or be linked to genetic or connective tissue conditions.

Causes of Hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding into brain tissue. Key causes include:

• Ruptured aneurysm: A weakened section of an artery that balloons and bursts.

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Abnormally formed tangles of arteries and veins that may rupture.

• Chronic high blood pressure: Long-term hypertension can weaken vessel walls, increasing the risk of rupture.

• Other factors: Age-related vessel changes, certain medications, head trauma, chronic medical conditions, and substance use can also contribute.

Additional risk factors

Several lifestyle and health conditions increase the likelihood of stroke:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease or arrhythmias
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of stroke
• Age, particularly over 55

Understanding these causes helps guide prevention strategies and enables timely medical intervention to reduce the risk of stroke and its complications.

How is stroke diagnosed?

Diagnosing a stroke quickly is essential to ensure proper treatment and minimize brain damage. The process begins with a careful evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history. 

Doctors assess which areas of the brain may be affected, whether the stroke is caused by a blockage or bleeding, and the severity of the condition.

Initial clinical assessment

The neurologist examines the patient for sudden changes in movement, strength, speech, vision, and coordination. Mental alertness and the ability to respond to commands are also evaluated. This helps determine the type of stroke and guides immediate care decisions.

Imaging and brain scans

Advanced imaging techniques provide a clear view of the brain and blood vessels:

• CT Scan detects bleeding and shows areas of brain injury quickly.

• MRI identifies early tissue damage and pinpoints affected regions.

• Angiography allows visualization of arteries in the brain and neck to detect narrowing, clots, or abnormal vessel structures.

• Ultrasound of Neck arteries evaluates blood flow and plaque buildup in vessels supplying the brain.

Additional tests

• Blood tests check for clotting disorders, glucose, cholesterol, and other factors that may contribute to stroke.
• Heart assessments such as ECG or echocardiogram identify irregular heart rhythms or clots that could travel to the brain.

Comprehensive evaluation

By combining clinical examination, imaging, and lab results, the medical team determines the stroke type, its cause, and the best treatment approach. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective intervention and better recovery outcomes

How is stroke treated?

Treatment for stroke depends on its type, severity, and how quickly medical care is received. The goal is to restore blood flow, control bleeding, prevent complications, and support recovery.

Treatment for ischemic stroke

Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. Treatments focus on reopening the vessel and minimizing brain damage:

• Clot-dissolving medications

Medications called thrombolytics may be administered intravenously to dissolve the clot. These are most effective when given as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

• Mechanical thrombectomy

 A procedure in which a specialist removes the clot using a catheter inserted into the blocked artery. This is usually performed within hours of stroke onset and is effective for large vessel blockages.

Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure inside the skull:

• Surgical procedures
   In some cases, surgery is needed to repair the ruptured vessel, remove accumulated blood, or relieve pressure on the brain.
  

• Medical management
  Medications may be used to control blood pressure, prevent seizures, and manage other complications.

Supportive and preventive care

Regardless of stroke type, patients may receive:

• Monitoring in a specialized stroke unit to track neurological status and prevent complications
• Management of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease
• Early rehabilitation to begin recovery of movement, speech, and daily function

Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation begins as soon as possible, often within the first 48 hours. It may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation. The goal is to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life.

Prompt treatment and early intervention significantly increase the chances of recovery and reduce long-term disability.

Long-term effects of stroke

The impact of a stroke can vary depending on the type, location, and severity of the brain injury. While some patients recover fully, many experience lasting effects that can affect physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Physical effects

• Weakness or paralysis : Often affects one side of the body, making movement and daily activities challenging.
• Loss of coordination and balance : Difficulty walking, maintaining stability, or performing fine motor tasks.
• Vision problems : Partial or total loss of vision in one or both eyes, or difficulty with visual processing.
• Speech and swallowing difficulties : Problems with speaking clearly (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia).
• Chronic pain and sensory changes : Numbness, tingling, or pain in affected limbs.

Cognitive effects

• Memory and Concentration Issues : Trouble remembering recent events or focusing on tasks.
• Language and Communication Difficulties : Challenges in understanding or forming language (aphasia).
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Impairments : Difficulty planning, organizing, or making judgments.

Emotional and behavioral effects

• Depression and Anxiety : Common emotional responses due to changes in brain function or life circumstances.
• Mood Swings and Irritability : Rapid emotional changes can affect relationships and daily life.
• Changes in Personality : Some patients experience altered behavior or reduced motivation.

Other Long-term challenges

• Fatigue : Persistent tiredness even after rest.
• Bladder and bowel control issues : Difficulty controlling elimination.
• Dependence on caregivers : Some patients require ongoing support for daily activities.

Why Choose Biruni Hospital stroke center

At Biruni Hospital, we provide comprehensive, specialized stroke care designed to maximize recovery and improve outcomes.

• Expert Stroke Management: Our team handles all types of strokes with rapid assessment and timely, evidence-based interventions.

• 24/7 Emergency Response: Immediate care is available around the clock through our dedicated stroke team.

• Advanced Diagnostic Technology: State-of-the-art CT, MRI, angiography, and ultrasound ensure precise evaluation for accurate treatment planning.

• Comprehensive Treatment Options: From clot-dissolving medications to surgical procedures and care for hemorrhagic strokes, we offer a full spectrum of therapies.

• Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation: Early and coordinated rehabilitation with neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists supports optimal recovery.

• Patient-Centered Care: Personalized treatment plans, education, emotional support, and counseling are provided to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Choose Biruni Hospital Stroke Center for fast, expert care and a multidisciplinary approach dedicated to helping you recover and regain independence.