Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In the Year of Community, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) is prioritising stroke awareness, highlighting that once it strikes, every second counts – and any delay in treatment “could make the difference between recovery and long-term disability”.
CCAD treats approximately 1,100 stroke cases annually and nearly 40% of these patients are under the age of 50, according to Dr. Victoria Ann Mifsud, a staff physician at the Neurology Department of CCAD’s Neurological Institute.
“This statistic underscores the increasing impact of stroke on younger populations in the UAE,” she told Aletihad.
Many of the common risk factors are largely preventable with a shift to healthier lifestyles, she added.
“Among the most critical are uncontrolled high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of these factors are lifestyle-driven and, with awareness and regular medical follow-up, can be effectively controlled or reversed.”
When a stroke occurs, immediate action is critical. This is why CCAD — one of the emirate’s centres of excellence for stroke — has been reaching out to the community with a clear goal: To help the public recognise the early signs of this medical emergency.
The hospital has presented the BE FAST acronym, a simple guide to help people identify symptoms of stroke: Balance issues, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
“We have partnered with Ma’an and the Department of Community Development to reach people where they are: schools, malls, and workplaces,” said Dr. Seby John, another staff physician at CCAD’s Neurology Department.
“We support the UAE’s national strategy for neurological care and stroke prevention through advanced care, national data efforts, medical education, and public campaigns. These combined efforts help shape a more proactive and coordinated approach to stroke care across the country.”
