Be alert to hyperacute stroke emergencies in primary health facilities

A hyperacute stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent severe brain damage or death. In Indonesia, primary health facilities play an important role in the initial treatment of stroke before patients are referred to hospitals with more complete facilities. Quick and appropriate treatment at a primary health facility can increase the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Identify the symptoms of hyperacute stroke.

Symptoms of hyperacute stroke include sudden weakness in the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision problems in one or both eyes; difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and headaches. something that appears suddenly without any apparent reason.

Fast and accurate assessment.

In primary health facilities, medical personnel must carry out a rapid assessment using the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) scale to determine the possibility of stroke. Physical and neurological examinations are carried out to assess the severity of the stroke and determine the next course of action.

Initial medical management.

Initial medical management in primary healthcare facilities includes:

1. Administering Oxygen: If the patient experiences hypoxia, administering oxygen is very important to maintain oxygen supply to the brain.
2. Blood Pressure Control: Maintain blood pressure within the normal range according to applicable guidelines. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can worsen stroke conditions.
3. Administration of Thrombolytic Therapy: If an ischemic stroke is confirmed and the patient meets the criteria, administration of thrombolytic therapy may be considered. This therapy is most effective if given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.

Immediate Referral.

After initial assessment and management, the patient must be immediately referred to a hospital with complete stroke treatment facilities, such as a CT scan or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic). Quick referral and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of further brain damage and increase the chances of recovery.

Role of primary health facilities Primary health facilities in Indonesia have a vital role in the early detection and treatment of hyperacute stroke. With proper training, medical personnel in primary health facilities can carry out the necessary actions quickly and efficiently, reducing the time wasted before patients receive specialist treatment at referral hospitals.

With fast and appropriate treatment in primary health facilities, as well as good collaboration with hospitals, hyperacute stroke treatment can be carried out effectively, saving many lives and reducing the long-term impact of stroke.

Downloading the Hermina Mobile Apps application will help you manage your health needs more easily and efficiently, especially for services at Hermina Arcamanik Hospital.

Reference:

1. Keputusan Menteri Kesehatan Republik Indonesia No HK.01.07/ Menkes/394/2019. Pedoman Pelayanan Kedokteran Tata Laksana Stroke
2. Perhimpunan Dokter Spesialis Saraf Indonesia (PERDOSSI). (2018). Panduan Penatalaksanaan Stroke di Indonesia.
3. Yayasan Stroke Indonesia. (2019). Deteksi Dini dan Penanganan Stroke di Masyarakat.
4. Rumah Sakit Pusat Otak Nasional. (2021). Penanganan Stroke Hiperakut: Langkah-langkah di Fasilitas Kesehatan Primer.