A press conference was held today at the Clinic for Neurology of the University Clinical Center Tuzla (UKC Tuzla) to mark World Stroke Day. The main goal of the event was to raise public awareness about the importance of early recognition of stroke symptoms and the need for an immediate response to the first warning signs.
This year’s global campaign is being held under the slogan “Every Minute Counts,” emphasizing that a rapid response is crucial, as every minute can make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.
According to Prof. Dr. Zikrija Dostović, Head of the Clinic for Neurology, stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long- term disability worldwide. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage and death. “A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age, which is why awareness and recognition of the symptoms are vital, because timely medical intervention significantly influences treatment outcomes,” said Prof. Dr. Dostović.
During his address, Prof. Dr. Dostović noted that the Clinic for Neurology treats between 1,500 and 2,000 patients annually, with approximately two- thirds hospitalized due to ischemic stroke. He explained that stroke occurs suddenly and typically has two main causes: a blockage of an artery, which stops blood flow to the brain (ischemic stroke), or the rupture of a blood vessel, causing bleeding into the surrounding tissue (hemorrhagic stroke).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zejneba Pašić, Head of the Stroke Treatment Unit, emphasized the crucial importance of stroke prevention and the control of risk factors.
“The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. Prevention lies in adopting healthy lifestyle habits by maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, and ensuring sufficient quality sleep. Equally important is regular monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pašić.
She further noted that when a stroke does occur, symptoms usually appear suddenly and dramatically, often described as striking “like lightning.” It is therefore essential that individuals seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility as soon as these symptoms appear.
According to her, typical warning signs of stroke include sudden headache, numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (often on one side of the body), speech difficulties, vision loss in one eye or half of the visual field, loss of balance, and dizziness.
Prof. Dr. Zikrija Dostović, Head of the Clinic for Neurology, emphasized that it is crucial for patients to seek medical attention within three to four hours of the onset of stroke symptoms in order to ensure that appropriate therapy for ischemic stroke can be administered in time. He also highlighted the importance of early rehabilitation once the acute phase of treatment has been completed, as it plays a key role in improving recovery outcomes.
“With stroke, regardless of its type, the so- called ‘rule of thirds’ applies: within the first few months, one third of patients unfortunately die, one third are left with significant disability, and only one third recover to their previous level of functioning,” said Prof. Dr. Dostović.
