It is estimated that 1 in 6 people he will have a stroke in his lifetime. Moreover, one in three patients who will survive a stroke need constant help and supervision from another person.

“In Greece, according to the Evros study, it is estimated that every year more than 40,000 people are affected by AEE. In addition, it is now recognized that stroke leads to a significant impairment of mental functions and the onset of dementia. As a consequence, the prevention and treatment of AEE must be a priority of public health policies” says Mr Mr. Klearchos Psychogios, Neurologist and Curator of the Advanced Care Unit for Vascular Cerebrovascular Diseases at Metropolitan Hospital.

Key risk factors

The risk of AEE increases with age and doubles every 10 years after the age of 55. However, in recent years there has been an alarming increase in strokes in young people as well. The main risk factors include: arterial hypertensionhim diabetes mellitussmoking, the high cholesterolexcessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity and reduced physical activity. In addition to the classic risk factors, there are also those related to the modern lifestyle, such as stress, poor sleep quality and air pollution.

What are the signs of a stroke?

Early recognition of symptoms is critical to stroke management. In Greece, the Hellenic Neurological Society has promoted the campaign with the slogan HOPA (Hand, Speech, Face, Ambulance) to raise public awareness about the warning signs of stroke. The most common symptoms include a change in speech, a headache not known to the patient, weakness in arms or legs, drooping of the corner of the mouth, diplopia, sudden disturbance in the visual field and unsteadiness of walking.

Mechanical thrombectomy: a modern treatment for stroke

Advances in medical technology and understanding of stroke have led to the development of specialized treatments. Intravenous thrombolysis, approved since 1995, and mechanical thrombectomy, for which the first studies showing a large benefit were published in 2015, have contributed significantly to improving patient outcomes. “Now, with modern hyperacute reperfusion treatments, more than half of patients presenting with acute neurological damage can achieve functional independence up to three months after the intervention,” notes Mr. Psychogios.

How long does it take to recover from a stroke?

Recovery from a stroke can take months or even years, with significant improvement occurring within the first three months. Successful rehabilitation depends on early initiation of treatment and ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team.

Stroke is a major public health challenge. However, as treatments and interventions continue to evolve, the outlook for stroke patients is becoming increasingly optimistic. Early diagnosis, prompt intervention and specialized care can make a difference in the outcome of the disease, offering hope for a better quality of life to thousands of patients each year.

The need for specialized care

Hospitalization in specialized stroke units becomes of particular importance for the treatment of the incident and the successful rehabilitation of the patients. The Metropolitan Hospital has a specialized Acute Stroke Unit, which is the first Unit certified by the European Organization for Stroke Units in Greece. The Unit in question is first organized and fully equipped MAF/AEE in Greece and aims to fill a big gap that exists in our country. The Vascular – Acute Vascular Stroke Intensive Care Unit offers comprehensive care by specialized physicians, nurses, physical therapists and speech therapists, who have the scientific training and experience to manage the patient’s needs. “The state-of-the-art technology used and the expertise of its doctors and nurses Unit offers the possibility of immediate treatment of AEs and their complications within even 24 hours of the episodereducing complications from 20 to 50%” concludes Mr. Psychogios.