STROKE CENTRE OF THE YEAR IN ASIA PACIFIC
MOUNT ELIZABETH HOSPITAL
A stroke is a serious medical emergency where parts of the brain are deprived of blood . Being starved of oxygen and other nutrients for a mere six minutes is the critical window before brain cells rapidly die and are irretrievably lost , giving rise to the phrase ‘ time is brain ’. If the stroke is not attended to and treated quickly , permanent damage to the brain , or even death can occur .
As Asia-Pacific ’ s Stroke Centre of the Year , Mount Elizabeth Hospital ( MEH ) has both the facilities and multidisciplinary team required to deliver effective care to patients across the stroke pathway . This team includes doctors , nursing professionals , and allied health professionals specialising in stroke rehabilitation .
MEH has a significant clinical history in treating strokes , supported by a team of over 20 neurologists and neurosurgeons experienced in modern medical and surgical techniques . These specialists are capable of managing any type of acute stroke and can perform a wide range of emergency procedures , including endovascular clipping , decompressive craniotomy , embolisation , and stereotactic radiosurgery , as well as preventive stroke procedures .
Technological innovations complement surgical expertise in guiding the treatment of stroke patients at MEH . Our neurosurgeons are among the pioneers in the Asia-Pacific region trained in using the minimally invasive Brain- Path integrated surgical approach .
This technique allows them to overcome some of the key limitations of traditional surgery by accessing the
Mr Yong Yih Ming
patient ’ s brain through a small tube the size of a straw that is navigated by a computerised guidance system . This minimal disruption to brain function allows for safe evacuation of deep intracerebral haemorrhages , the deadliest form of stroke .
Our hospital also houses a Gamma Knife Centre where Gamma Knife radiosurgery is often used to treat arteriovenous malformations ( AVMs ), an abnormal collection of blood vessels that can cause haemorrhagic strokes . This unique method delivers extremely focused radiation beams to targets in the brain and prevents injuries to surrounding normal brain tissues .
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia and lasts no more than one hour , which translates to lower risks of infection and bleeding , a shorter hospital stay , and faster recovery for stroke patients .
Following a neurological event such as stroke , patients often face prob- lems that affect daily living , such as muscular weakness and poor cognitive function . MEH provides rehabilitation services designed to help them recover and regain lost functions .
Our Neurological Rehabilitation Centre consists of a multi-disciplinary team of Rehabilitation physicians and allied health professionals that work together with the patient ’ s primary care physician to manage any medical and / or rehabilitation issues affecting the patient ’ s physical and / or cognitive psychosocial functions , including creating a comprehensive and tailored rehabilitation programme .
This includes exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination , mobility and gait training using assistive aids such as walkers and treadmills , and functional electrical stimulation ( FES ) for muscle recovery . Caregiver training is also provided to ensure a smooth and safe transition when patients return home from the hospital . The patient ’ s condition is continually evaluated and goals are adjusted based on rehabilitation needs .
Because recovery is a lengthy process that can take years — with some strokes being disabling while others only temporary with recovery in less than 24 hours — a stroke is never taken lightly , with the first few days after a stroke being extremely important . With early treatment and rehabilitation , however , patients can recover as much function as possible . That is why our team at Mount Elizabeth Hospital remains committed to treating and caring for stroke patients , just as they have been doing for the past four decades .
122 SEPTEMBER 2022 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com