The Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, affiliated with the Canary Islands Government's Health Department, treats an average of 300 stroke cases per year, of which about 250 are ischemic. A stroke is a cerebrovascular condition requiring immediate action to prevent brain damage.
The hospital complex has had a Stroke Unit for 25 years, where professionals from Neurology, Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology, Intensive Medicine, Vascular Surgery, Cardiology, Rehabilitation, and Nursing work collaboratively. This teamwork addresses patient needs during the acute phase and plans subsequent care.
Neurology service professionals emphasize the importance of calling 112 immediately upon the first sign of a stroke, such as sudden weakness or numbness in limbs, facial drooping, speech difficulties, vision changes, loss of balance, or sudden severe headache. Prompt attention is crucial for diagnosis and appropriate treatment, including mechanical thrombectomy for certain ischemic strokes.
Since March of this year, the Neurology service has implemented a continuity of care model to enhance post-discharge patient follow-up. This project coordinates hospital and primary care professionals, including continuity of care nurses, Social Work, Nutrition, and Rehabilitation, who hold weekly meetings to review cases and ensure a safe transition home.
Furthermore, in 2024, the hospital introduced a protocol for early detection of oropharyngeal dysphagia, a swallowing difficulty that can lead to complications like dehydration or aspiration pneumonia if not identified and treated. Early detection allows for nutritional treatment adjustments, health education for patients and their families, and access to resources like speech therapy.
