When someone has a stroke, every second counts.
What you do at that critical moment will greatly help save someone’s life. Therefore, fast and appropriate stroke treatment is needed to minimize fatal risks. However, do you know where and how to seek help to deal with this emergency situation in Indonesia?
Know The Golden Period That Saves Stroke Patient
Stroke is known as one of the diseases with fatal impacts because it attacks the brain. Stroke cases generally occur due to two main causes, namely due to narrowing to blockage in the blood vessels of the brain or neck (ischemic stroke) or rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke) either small, medium or large.
Stroke has a golden period that occurs in the first 4.5 hours since stroke symptoms appear. This period is the best time to carry out fast and appropriate medical treatment to minimize damage to the brain so that disability and even death can be avoided. According to international guidelines, Door to Needle for stroke treatment is carried out within 60 minutes. This protocol has been implemented in Indonesia, one of which is by the international standard hospital, Mayapada Hospital.
A neurologist from Mayapada Hospital South Jakarta and Kuningan, dr. Vania Listiani Hidajat, Sp.N, explained, “During the golden period, 60-minute Door to Needle is carried out for ischemic stroke through thrombolytic therapy, by injecting drugs to dissolve blood clots that block blood vessels in the brain.” A Neurosurgeon who also practices at Mayapada Hospital South Jakarta and Kuningan, dr. Ingrid Ayke Widjaya, Sp.BS then added, “If it has passed the golden period, or the thrombolytic injection is considered ineffective, or the patient does not meet the criteria for thrombolytic therapy, ischemic stroke treatment can be carried out with thrombectomy, which is a neuro intervention procedure to open blocked blood flow. Meanwhile, in cases of hemorrhagic stroke, neurosurgery can be performed to evacuate bleeding and reduce pressure in the brain.”
Take Immediate and Decisive Action
In the event of a stroke emergency, you can immediately contact the Stroke Emergency Service at Mayapada Hospital by dialling 150990. Many expatriates choose Mayapada Hospital because it offers a 24/7 international standard Stroke Emergency Service, equipped with a comprehensive Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab). In Jakarta, Mayapada Hospital is conveniently located in two strategic areas in South Jakarta: Lebak Bulus and Kuningan Rasuna Said. Outside Jakarta, Mayapada Hospital also has branches in major cities such as Tangerang, Bogor, Surabaya, and Bandung.
Recently, one of the Mayapada Hospital units located in Jakarta’s Golden Triangle, Mayapada Hospital Kuningan, has enhanced its stroke emergency services with a more advanced and integrated Cath Lab. This facilitates the diagnosis and management of stroke emergencies, including the 60-minute Door-to-Needle protocol through thrombolytic therapy, or minimally invasive thrombectomy if the patient does not meet the criteria for thrombolytic therapy. Mayapada Hospital Kuningan is also supported by a medical team and staff proficient in English, making communication easier for expatriate patients during their treatment.
Stroke Emergency is one of the flagship services offered by Mayapada Hospital, under the Tahir Neuroscience Center. Supported by a multidisciplinary team collaboration, state-of-the-art facilities, and advanced medical equipment, the Tahir Neuroscience Center at Mayapada Hospital provides comprehensive services for the management of neurological cases. These services range from early detection, diagnosis, therapy and medical rehabilitation for various neurological conditions, including stroke, brain injuries, brain tumors, spinal cord tumors or diseases, peripheral nerve conditions, infections, and epilepsy.
Know the Signs of a Stroke at Tahir Neuroscience Center Mayapada Hospital
Lifestyle is a significant factor in causing a stroke, although genetic factors can also contribute to the risk. Stroke symptoms can manifest within hours and serve as a warning to seek immediate medical attention. Some symptoms to recognize include an asymmetrical smile (leaning to one side), sudden choking or difficulty swallowing, weakness on one side of the body, sudden inability to speak or slurred speech, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, sudden blurred vision in one eye, and severe headaches that appear suddenly and have never been experienced before. Additionally, there may be a loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty coordinating movements.
If you experience these symptoms, it is crucial to take action by going to the hospital immediately, even if the symptoms seem to come and go. This is particularly important if you have risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, or a history of heart disease. In such cases, it is advisable to undergo screenings to detect potential strokes as early as possible. For expatriates wishing to check their health, Mayapada Hospital currently offers a special promotion for Headache Screening and Stroke Screening.
For more information about the Tahir Neuroscience Center, visit https://mayapadahospital.com/.