Stroke

The Neurology Division at SSMC boasts a state-of-the-art stroke unit that operates 24/7, delivering comprehensive multispecialty 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, specializing in advanced brain blood vessel imaging
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation (psychiatrists)
• Emergency medicine

Symptoms & Diagnosis

With state-of-the-art research and laboratory facilities, our stroke experts utilize 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 ischemic stroke or a stroke that involves bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic).

In the event of an ischemic 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 ischemic 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.

Our new services include:

• Sclerotherapy of vascular malformations of head and neck
• Embolization of brain and neck tumors
• Embolization of thyroid for multinodular goiter and Graves’ disease
• Embolization of middle meningeal artery for chronic subdural hematoma

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

Why choose SSMC?

At the forefront of stroke care, the SSMC Stroke Center 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.

Recognized by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) as a Centre of Excellence, our Stroke Center epitomizes world-class standards in stroke care. This accreditation underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients.

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.