Swift assistance key to reducing disability of Al Ain stroke patients

Al Ain: Swift medical assistance can save the lives of stroke patients and reduce the chance of permanent disability, said doctors at Al Ain Hospital adding that the first three hours are critical for treatment.

Doctors recently saved the life of a 51-year-old Emirati patient who arrived at the hospital's emergency ward after experiencing weakness in movement in the left side of the body and slurred speech.

An examination led to the discovery of a blood clot in the patient's brain, said Dr Talaat Diab, head of the department of internal medicines at the hospital. The patient was later treated at the section specialising in brain clots.

The patient, who was kept under observation for a few days, has recovered fully and left for home.

"The patients' timely approach and the prompt diagnosis led to the successful treatment," he said.

Dr Naji Ameen Mousa, a consultant neurologist at the hospital, said people must not take stroke symptoms lightly and must seek immediate medical assistance.

Symptoms include unnatural signs of weakness in movement in one side of the body, slurred speech or trouble in maintaining balance.