Understanding Medical Assistance for Stroke Patients

According to the state medical guarantee program, patients suffering from acute stroke are entitled to receive free medical assistance.

In-hospital treatment is provided at no cost to individuals transported by emergency medical teams, transferred from other health facilities, or those who self-refer in critical conditions.

In Odessa, three hospitals have agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine to provide medical assistance for stroke: City Clinical Hospitals No. 1, No. 10, and No. 11.

The first step in addressing a suspected stroke is an examination by a neurologist or neurosurgeon, followed by neuroimaging within 60 minutes of arrival at the hospital.

Odessa's medical facilities that assist stroke patients are equipped with CT scanners. Hospitals No. 10 and No. 11 also feature state-of-the-art angiographs.

The guaranteed package of free medical assistance for stroke includes: monitoring of health indicators, anesthesiology support, thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke, round-the-clock laboratory tests, and instrumental examinations like CT scans, ECG, and ultrasound.

Rehabilitation for stroke patients should commence as soon as possible after hospitalization. Within the first 72 hours, consultations with a speech therapist or language therapist, as well as a psychologist, may be provided.

Inpatient rehabilitation for stroke patients in Odessa takes place at City Clinical Hospitals No. 1, No. 10, and City Hospital No. 8.

Outpatient rehabilitation services for stroke patients are provided by City Clinical Hospitals No. 1, No. 10, No. 11, City Hospital No. 8, and Consultative Diagnostic Center No. 29.

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The success of stroke treatment largely depends on how quickly the patient is transported to the hospital and receives specialized medical assistance. Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial.
You can remember the signs of a stroke using the acronym BRAIN:
- Balance. Sudden loss of balance or coordination;
- Reaction. Slurred speech or difficulty speaking;
- Eyes. Sudden vision problems or blurriness;
- Arms. Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or both;
- Note. Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding.

To check for stroke signs, ask the person to smile, speak a simple sentence, raise one or both arms, or stick out their tongue (which may appear crooked). If they have trouble with any of these tasks, it may indicate a stroke. 
If you suspect a stroke, immediately call emergency services at 103! This could save a life.