Stroke unit
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What can we help you with?
At the stroke unit, patients are continuously monitored after a stroke or CVA and receive specialized and professional care by a multidisciplinary team. This team includes specialised doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social services staff.
What is a stroke?
A CVA or stroke occurs when blood flow in part of the brain is interrupted by bleeding or a clot. As a result, certain brain cells do not receive enough oxygen, which can cause them to die.
In 80% of the cases, it is a blood vessel that clogs up due to a clot. We then speak of a cerebral infarction (brain infarction). The remaining 20% involve a blood vessel that ruptures, causing blood to accumulate in the brain. Here we speak of a cerebral haemorrhage (brain haemorrhage). The nature and severity of the symptoms depend greatly on the location, size and cause of the infarction or haemorrhage.
Recognize a stroke
By taking the FAST test below, you can quickly recognize a stroke. Then react quickly and call 112 (in Europe), because every minute counts. The faster help comes, the more brain tissue can be saved and the greater the chance of recovery.
Treatment
The treatment of stroke is mainly focused on repairing as many brain cells as possible to minimize the damage. The sooner treatment can be started, the more likely the patient will have a full recovery. An important goal in treatment is also regaining independence.
The consequences of a CVA are major: for example, there are consequences for the body, thinking, feelings and behavior. They affect not only the patient (he/she may not even be aware of it), but also the family and environment.
We make every effort to save as many brain cells as possible through a very specific treatment consisting of the following aspects:
- infusion therapy and medication
- monitoring of blood pressure, heart rhythm, temperature, blood sugar
- detection and treatment of swallowing problems: diet is adjusted if necessary
- training of bladder function disorders
- prevention of bedsores
- prevention of phlebitis
- care for emotional problems
- quick mobilization and start of rehabilitation
Specialized stroke team
Stroke patients are cared for and supervised by a team of specialised staff, also called the stroke team. They work according to predetermined, strict protocols adapted to the needs of each individual patient. In weekly team meetings, these needs are discussed and evaluated.
The stroke unit for stroke care is located in the neurology department and is equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure the best possible follow-up of patients. To prevent or treat complications, there is increased monitoring of heart rhythm, blood pressure, temperature and breathing, among other things, through monitoring. There is always a responsible nurse to answer your questions and give you the necessary information.
Rehabilitation
From day one, the staff of our multidisciplinary team each have through their own input to tailor rehabilitation to the patient and regain independence. We work on this based on the following training courses:
- ADL training: resume activities of daily living
- cognitive training: re-learning certain actions related to memory
- training of mobility: sitting balance, gait rehabilitation, fine motor skills ...
- logopedics: specific swallowing therapy, speech exercises ...
If further rehabilitation is needed after the acute phase, the patient can go to the hospital's rehabilitation centre. Here, too, you will receive multidisciplinary treatment that is fully tailored to individual needs. The rehabilitation team works mainly on reintegration into the home situation and as much self-reliance as possible.
