In recognition of World Stroke Day, a press conference was held today at the Clinic of Neurology , University Clinical Center Tuzla. The event aimed to raise public awareness of the importance of timely symptom recognition and quick response when the first signs of a stroke appear.
Prof. Dr. Aida Šehanović, Head of the Clinic of Neurology, emphasized that stroke is a major public health concern in our country, affecting one in four adults over the age of 25. Annually, the clinic hospitalizes around 1,400 patients, with approximately 890 admitted for ischemic stroke. From January to September 2024 alone, 1,100 patients were hospitalized at the clinic, of which 550 were stroke-related cases, underscoring the critical need for preventive awareness and early intervention.
Prof. Dr. Dževdet Smajlović highlighted the importance of stroke prevention, explaining to the journalists that a stroke is a sudden neurological condition caused by impaired cerebral circulation. This circulatory disruption results in an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to certain areas of the brain, causing damage or death of nerve cells in the affected regions, and leading to impairment in the functions those brain areas control.
Prof. Smajlović further explained that stroke symptoms appear suddenly and can occur for two main reasons: either due to an artery blockage that restricts blood flow, known as an ischemic stroke, or due to the rupture of a blood vessel, leading to blood leakage into surrounding tissue, known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
Assoc. Prof. Zejneba Pašić, Head of the Stroke Treatment Unit, discussed how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke, emphasizing that prevention is the best approach. However, when a stroke occurs, it is typically marked by sudden symptoms such as headache, numbness, weakness or confusion, speech difficulties, vision loss in one eye or half of the visual field, and balance loss or dizziness. She described these symptoms as striking “like a lightning bolt,” urging patients to seek immediate medical assistance at the nearest healthcare facility if they experience any of these warning signs.
Prof. Dr. Mirjana Vidović, Head of the Department for Cerebrovascular Diseases, emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy for stroke prevention, treatment, and post-stroke rehabilitation. She noted that while stroke-related mortality has decreased, establishing a robust prevention program remains essential.
In recognition of World Stroke Day on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Neurology Clinic staff will engage with the public at the Bingo City Center Tuzla from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering education on the high incidence of stroke. The event will focus on prevention strategies, improving health care, and supporting stroke survivors, aiming to raise awareness and promote community health.
