What Does a Stroke Center Do?

A stroke center is a medical facility specifically designed to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. Its establishment aims to detect and treat cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage as early as possible, thereby reducing related mortality rates.

The primary mission of a stroke center is to provide patients with rapid diagnosis and treatment services. Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is an acute cerebrovascular disease where early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Stroke centers are equipped with advanced medical equipment and professional medical teams capable of conducting brain imaging examinations such as CT or MRI at the first opportunity to quickly determine the patient's condition.

In China, the mortality rate of cerebrovascular diseases remains high, even surpassing that of heart disease. The establishment of stroke centers helps to reduce this high mortality rate. Through timely diagnosis and treatment, stroke centers can effectively mitigate the severe consequences of cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage, such as paralysis and death.

Stroke centers not only diagnose but also provide comprehensive treatment plans. Depending on the patient's specific condition, they may require cerebrovascular angiography, thrombolytic therapy, or surgical intervention. Cerebrovascular angiography is an examination method that involves injecting a contrast agent to visualize the cerebrovascular situation, helping doctors accurately determine the location and extent of vascular occlusion. Thrombolytic therapy involves dissolving blood clots with medication to restore blood flow, suitable for patients with acute cerebral infarction. For severe cerebral hemorrhage patients, surgery may be the most effective treatment.

Another notable feature of stroke centers is multidisciplinary collaboration. Besides neurology, stroke centers also include collaboration among radiology, emergency medicine, surgery, and other departments. This collaborative model ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and professional treatment within the shortest time possible.

Stroke centers not only focus on acute-phase treatment but also prioritize patient rehabilitation and education. Rehabilitation therapists develop personalized rehabilitation plans for patients to help them regain daily living abilities. Additionally, stroke centers conduct health education to educate patients and their families about stroke prevention and first aid knowledge, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Stroke centers actively collaborate with community medical institutions to establish stroke emergency green channels. Community doctors can transmit information on suspected stroke patients to stroke centers through remote consultation systems, allowing center experts to provide real-time guidance and ensure timely treatment during patient transfer.

Through these measures, stroke centers play an irreplaceable role in the treatment of stroke patients. Stroke centers not only improve the survival rates of stroke patients but also enhance their quality of life, truly achieving the goal of "early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment".