STROKE is one of the most urgent and potentially life-threatening medical conditions that often impacts a person’s quality of life. In the face of stroke, every second counts, and a deep understanding of symptoms, treatment steps, and collaboration between various medical disciplines are key to improving treatment outcomes.
To overcome stroke, a multidisciplinary team is needed in its treatment, procedures carried out for ischemic and bleeding strokes, challenges in educating the public, as well as technological advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke.
The following is an explanation from the multidisciplinary stroke team from Siloam Dhirga Surya Hospital, Medan, consisting of neurologist Hendy Million Samin, neurosurgeon specialist Steven Tandean, and radiology specialist Harley Septian.
Recognize the early symptoms of stroke
Recognizing the early symptoms of stroke is an important first step to ensure quick treatment. This symptom is often remembered by the acronym BEFAST, which summarizes the main aspects to pay attention to:
- B – Balance Does someone suddenly lose balance or have coordination problems?
- E – Eyes (Vision): Is vision suddenly blurred or lost in one or both eyes?
- F – Face: Does one side of the face appear droopy? Try asking the person to smile; if only one side is moving, this could be an early sign of a stroke.
- A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. If it cannot be lifted or tends to fall, this is a clear signal of the beginning of a stroke.
- S – Speech: If you have difficulty speaking or speak in a slurred manner. Ask to repeat simple sentences and pay attention to the clarity of speech.
- T – Time: If you notice one or more of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Every second is precious in treating stroke.
Additional symptoms
Apart from BEFAST symptoms, there are other signs that may appear, such as:
- Sudden confusion or difficulty in understanding speech.
- Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye.
- Difficulty walking or loss of balance.
- Severe headache for no apparent reason.
It is important to remember that stroke can occur at any age, not just in older people. By understanding these symptoms, it is hoped that the public can respond to emergencies more quickly and precisely.
The role of the multidisciplinary team in stroke management
When a stroke occurs, many parties must work together to provide the best care. A multidisciplinary team consisting of specialist doctors in neurology, neurosurgery and radiology as well as nurses collaborate to treat this critical condition.
The following is an overview of the roles of each team member:
Neurology Specialist
Neurology specialists are often the first members involved. They are tasked with identifying the type of stroke the patient is experiencing, whether it is ischemic (blockage) or hemorrhagic (bleeding).
Through a physical examination and use of imaging technology, they can determine the initial steps needed.
If an ischemic stroke is diagnosed, a neurologist will evaluate the possibility of thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the blood clot.
For hemorrhagic strokes, they should plan steps to reduce intracranial pressure which can be potentially life-threatening.
Neurosurgeon Specialist
Neurosurgery specialists have a very vital role, especially in cases of bleeding stroke.
When bleeding occurs in the brain, they may perform a surgical procedure, such as a craniotomy, to remove the hematoma. This is a process that requires quick judgment, as each decision can have a major impact on the patient’s recovery.
Collaboration between neurologists and neurosurgeons is very important, especially in determining the appropriate course of action.
An open discussion regarding the patient’s condition, risks, and available treatment options can improve patient outcomes.
Radiology Specialist Doctor
Radiologists are also an integral part of the stroke treatment team. They use modern imaging tools, such as CT scans and MRIs to diagnose and assess brain damage.
The information from this imaging is very valuable for determining next steps.
With advanced technology, radiologists can provide a clear picture of the location of the blockage/bleeding as well as the size of the area of the brain that is damaged or the volume of bleeding.
The role of the nurse
Nurses play an important role in the daily management of stroke patients. They not only monitor the patient’s condition on an ongoing basis, but also provide basic care and effective communication with other members of the medical team. Emotional support from nurses means a lot to patients and their families, especially in stressful situations. (Z-1)
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**Interview with the Multidisciplinary Stroke Team of Siloam Dhirga Surya Hospital**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today. We’re here with Dr. Hendy Million Samin, Dr. Steven Tandean, and Dr. Harley Septian from Siloam Dhirga Surya Hospital’s multidisciplinary stroke team. Can you start by explaining what a multidisciplinary approach to stroke care involves?
**Dr. Hendy Million Samin (Neurologist):** Absolutely! A multidisciplinary approach means that we collaborate across various specialties to provide the best possible care for stroke patients. This includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who come together to evaluate and treat the patient quickly and effectively.
**Editor:** That sounds vital. What are some of the early signs of a stroke that the public should be aware of?
**Dr. Steven Tandean (Neurosurgeon):** Recognizing stroke symptoms early can greatly affect outcomes. We often use the acronym BEFAST – Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. If someone exhibits symptoms like sudden loss of balance, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking, it’s crucial to act quickly and call emergency services.
**Editor:** Those are helpful tips. What role does technology play in diagnosing and treating strokes?
**Dr. Harley Septian (Radiologist):** Technology is pivotal. Advanced imaging techniques, like CT scans and MRIs, help us quickly determine whether a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic. This diagnosis allows us to tailor our treatment strategies effectively. For example, an ischemic stroke might require thrombolytic therapy, while hemorrhagic strokes may need immediate surgical intervention.
**Editor:** It seems like a lot of teamwork is involved. Can you explain how the collaboration among team members enhances patient care?
**Dr. Hendy Million Samin:** When a stroke occurs, time is of the essence. With a multidisciplinary team, we can ensure that the right specialists are on hand to make swift decisions about treatment. Each member contributes their expertise, which leads to improved outcomes and better management of the patient’s condition.
**Editor:** As public awareness is essential, how is your team working to educate the community about stroke prevention and response?
**Dr. Steven Tandean:** We’re actively involved in community outreach programs, educating people about recognizing stroke symptoms and encouraging them to seek immediate help. We aim to demystify stroke care and make our expertise accessible, so people feel empowered to take action if they suspect a stroke.
**Editor:** Thank you all for sharing these insights. What final thoughts would you like to leave with our audience about stroke awareness and the importance of seeking immediate medical care?
**Dr. Harley Septian:** We cannot stress enough the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and understanding that every second counts. By working together as a community and with healthcare professionals, we can drastically improve outcomes for stroke patients. Remember, if you see something, say something—time really does save lives.
**Editor:** Thank you, doctors, for your valuable time and information! It’s clear that understanding strokes and fostering collaboration in care can truly make a difference in health outcomes.
