Youngest stroke patient at Clinic for Neurology is 16
Doctors report more young stroke patients and nearly full ward; free screenings were held in Skopje and other cities.
The Clinic for Neurology in Skopje reports that strokes are increasingly affecting younger people, with the youngest recent patient only 16 years old. A 37-year-old patient is also currently being treated at the clinic, and doctors say they have seen a rise in younger stroke cases over the past two years.
“The capacities these days are full. We have about 57 to 59 beds, sometimes we can add two beds if there is a severe rush, but these days there is almost no free space; as one patient is discharged a new patient is admitted. The number of patients with stroke around here ranges from 200 to 300 per 100,000 inhabitants, which places us near the top of the statistics for cases of this disease,” said Dr. Jovan Bozhinovski, director of the Clinic for Neurology.
Doctors warn that stroke can appear suddenly and leave permanent disability. Common warning signs include sudden weakness of an arm or a leg (often on one side of the body), sudden changes and unclear speech, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Rapid medical care increases the chances of successful treatment and reduces long-term consequences.
Genetics is one risk factor that cannot be changed, but clinicians note that controlling blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids and adopting a healthier lifestyle can reduce risk. Stress and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to higher stroke risk.
“The disease is among the leading causes of disability. It occurs suddenly, acutely — from being in good health the patient suddenly becomes handicapped. Such a patient has an increased risk of stroke, whether it is a bleed or an ischemic stroke. If hypertension is well controlled, a person can remain completely well and never suffer a stroke,” Bozhinovski added.
At Skopje City Square the clinic organized preventive activities to raise awareness. Citizens were offered free checks for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. The campaign was also held in Tetovo, Shtip, Kavadarci and Ohrid to inform people about risk factors and the importance of early prevention.
The screenings continue tomorrow at the Clinic for Neurology, where free examinations will be performed; citizens found to have risk factors will be invited for further testing and follow-up.
Photo: press material from the event
