Stroke management

Understanding Stroke: A Life Threatening Medical Emergency

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Without immediate treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt medical care can save lives and minimize long-term complications.

At Fakeeh University Hospital (FUH) in Dubai, our expert neurology, interventional neuroradiology, and emergency care teams are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and life-saving stroke treatment protocols to provide rapid response and recovery.

Understanding the different types of strokes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment:

Ischemic Stroke (Most Common): Caused by a blood clot or blocked artery, this type prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the brain. Risk factors include high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and atherosclerosis.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. Common causes include high blood pressure, aneurysms, or trauma.
Transient Ischemic Attack (“Mini-Stroke”): A temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Though symptoms resolve quickly, a TIA is a warning sign for future major strokes.
Brain Stem Stroke: Affects the base of the brain, impacting breathing, heartbeat, balance, and consciousness. It can be particularly dangerous due to its effect on vital functions.

Brain stroke clinic, stroke management in dubai

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Act F.A.S.T ‍

Early identification can significantly improve outcomes. Use the F.A.S.T. test:

F – Face drooping: Is one side of the face numb or drooping?
A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Can they raise both arms?
S – Speech difficulties: Is speech slurred or incoherent?
T – Time to call emergency: Act fast. Call 999 or visit the nearest emergency department immediately.

Every second counts. The faster you act, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Stroke Key Risk Factors

There are multiple reasons you may be at a higher risk of having a stroke than someone else. The likelihood of a stroke is determined by a handful of factors, from age and diet to blood pressure, medical history, and family history. You may be at a higher risk of stroke due to one or more of the following:

High Blood Pressure: cause of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes
Atrial Fibrillation
Smoking & Alcohol Consumption
Obesity and Poor Diet: Especially high in saturated fat and sodium
Diabetes & Heart Disease
Age Over: Risk increases significantly with age
Blood cutting disorder
Sedentary Lifestyle

Preventive screenings and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. FUH offers tailored wellness and heart health programs.

Diagnosis & Stroke Treatment in Dubai

At Fakeeh University Hospital, our stroke management team provides immediate, comprehensive care that includes:

Emergency Stroke Response

CT scan / MRI for accurate diagnosis
Clot-busting medications (e.g., thrombolytics)
For patients with large vessel occlusion, mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure in which a catheter is navigated through the arteries to extract the clot directly from the brain vessels.
Surgical intervention for hemorrhagic strokes

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation