Your stroke treatment journey [infographic]

Posted on 12 September 2019

The way we diagnose and treat stroke is changing. Today, Mediclinic takes a multidisciplinary approach, with the aim of ensuring all patients are treated in a standardised and timeous manner.

Mediclinic is standardising stroke care protocols in facilities across SA. Why? To elevate the standard of care and improve stroke outcomes. “Medics, nurses, stroke physicians, radiologists – when everyone works together, and quickly, we see huge improvements in how our patients recover from strokes,” says Dr Daniel Fiandeiro – Emergency Medicine Specialist: Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg.

If you suspect a stroke, call 084 124 for expert assistance without delay. The earlier you receive treatment, the better. “Stroke treatment in the Emergency Centre is tricky. It needs to be done carefully – and well,” says Dr Fiandeiro.

 

The people who can help you survive a stroke

BYSTANDERS

• Should know what a stroke looks like
• Should call 084 124 for immediate assistance

 

ER24 PARAMEDICS

• Assess the situation
• Examine for vital warning signs
• Stabilise the patient
• Pre-notify the hospital
• Transport the patient to the nearest facility

 

EMERGENCY CENTRE STAFF

• Pre-notify the radiology department
• Pre-notify the on-call stroke physician
• Move the patient into resuscitation
• Reassess the patient within five minutes of arrival in the EC
• Check for potential allergies to medication
• Check if patient qualifies for computed tomography angiography (CTA)

 

RADIOLOGIST

• Conducts CT or MRI to diagnose stroke
• and gauge the severity of brain damage

 

STROKE PHYSICIAN

• Examines scan results
• Decides on the most appropriate course of treatment

 

SPECIALISTS

• Might conduct mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke
• Might conduct percutaneous coronary intervention/clot removal surgery
• Might perform thrombolytic therapy

 

OTHER PROFESSIONALS

• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Recreational therapist
• Speech pathologist

 

Read more about heart and stroke health here…

The heart attack gender gap (infographic)
What happens in your body during a stroke (infographic)
Your stroke treatment journey (infographic)
Early warning signs of stroke
The different kinds of stroke: how they happen and how they harm your health
FAQs: Stroke – common questions, answered
Signs and symptoms of a stroke