Stroke

The Neurology Division at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City boasts a state-of-the-art stroke unit that operates 24/7, delivering comprehensive multispeciality care. Our team of stroke experts includes specialists trained in:

• Cerebrovascular neurology, focusing on conditions affecting the blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord
• Endovascular surgical neuroradiology, specialising in advanced brain blood vessel imaging
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (psychiatrist)
• Emergency medicine

Symptoms and diagnosis

With state-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities, our stroke experts utilise advanced technology and sophisticated imaging tests to accurately diagnose strokes and other cerebrovascular conditions. They collaborate closely to determine the cause of your symptoms and tailor the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs.

Symptoms of stroke include sudden neurological changes such as difficulty speaking, weakness, sudden visual impairment and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may result from blocked arteries in the brain or spinal cord, or bleeding in the brain.

Treatment

Emergency treatment for stroke depends on whether you are having an ischaemic stroke or a stroke that involves bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic).

In the event of an ischaemic stroke, prompt action is crucial to restore blood flow to the brain. This often involves emergency IV medication and endovascular procedures. Endovascular therapy delivers medications directly to the brain and employs a device known as a stent retriever to remove the clot.

To reduce the risk of recurring strokes or transient ischaemic attacks, your doctor may suggest a procedure to widen the narrowed artery caused by plaque buildup. Options range from carotid endarterectomy to angioplasty and stents, tailored to each individual case.

Cutting-edge treatment options and facilities include:

• Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy for ischaemic stroke
• Mechanical Thrombectomy to remove clot in ischaemic stroke
• Coiling and clipping for cerebral aneurysm
• Intracranial stenting and flow diverters
• Arteriovenous malformations treatment
• Acute Stroke Unit where stroke patients are admitted and cared for by a multi-professional team who have specialist knowledge, training and skills in stroke care
• Vascular procedures including carotid stenting and endarterectomy
• Emergency Department for immediate care for stroke patients
• Neurointensive Care Unit managed by neurocritical specialists
• Neurosurgical procedures include craniotomy for haematoma evacuation and decompressive craniectomy

Potential cases to be referred to us include carotid stenting, aneurysm treatment, arteriovenous malformation (AVM treatment), vascular spine cases, acute subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and intracerebral haemorrhage cases.

Why choose SSMC?

At the forefront of stroke care, the SSMC Stroke Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities. From advanced monitoring devices and neurocritical beds to MRIs, scans and ultrasound machines, we ensure immediate and effective emergency treatment for strokes.

Recognised by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) as a Centre of Excellence, and American Heart Association’s Comprehensive Stroke Centre, our Stroke Centre epitomises world-class standards in stroke care. This accreditation underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.

Additionally, our Acute Stroke Unit, comprising 20 beds, is cared for by our multidisciplinary team members including nurses and rehabilitation therapists who have specialised knowledge, training and skills in stroke care.

Moreover, our Interventional Neuroradiology Suite, stands as a testament to our dedication to innovation. Featuring the industry leading Philips Azurion 7 B20/15 biplane image-guided therapy system, it enables precise and advanced interventions for stroke patients.

Completing our facilities is our fully equipped radiology department, offering advanced neuroimaging techniques such as CTA, MRI/MRA, diffusion weighted MRI, perfusion scans and carotid duplex U/S.

The team also consists of a stroke programme coordinator, specially trained stroke unit nurses, a rehabilitation team which includes a stroke-specialised physiotherapist, occupational therapist and a speech and language therapist, five radiographic technicians and interventional suit nurses, covering our 24/7 on-call service and day-to-day procedures.