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"Minutes matter when it comes to a stroke. The sooner a patient receives necessary help, the greater the chance of saving brain function and returning to normal life. The main issue is that many people fail to recognize the first signs of a stroke or hesitate to call for help," explains Dr. Bassam Al Sabti, a neurologist at AGEL Hospital Bratislava.

How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Stroke

It is crucial to identify the common symptoms of a stroke, summarized under the acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time):

· Face: Sudden asymmetry of the face or drooping of the mouth corner.

· Arms: Inability to raise one arm.

· Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech.

· Time: Every second counts, so call emergency services immediately.

"Even mild symptoms can signal something serious. Don’t wait to see if the condition improves—every second of delay can mean greater brain damage," warns Dr. Al Sabti.

Impact on Mobility and the Need for Rehabilitation

One of the most common outcomes of a stroke is damage to the musculoskeletal system, which can lead to paralysis, balance disorders, and loss of motor functions. "After the acute phase of treatment, rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery," the experienced neurologist explains. In recent years, robotic rehabilitation has been increasingly used, enabling precise and controlled movements that improve treatment outcomes. One of the largest robotic rehabilitation centers in Slovakia is AGEL Hospital Bratislava, which provides patients with advanced technologies for regaining motor skills after a stroke.

"Robotic systems help us set appropriate levels of intensity for patients. They also allow us to execute movement patterns that would be limited or impossible with conventional rehabilitation methods," says Dr. Marek Tkáč, MBA, Head of the Rehabilitation Department at AGEL Hospital Bratislava. "This form of rehabilitation not only helps patients restore lost functions but also motivates them to fight their condition," adds Dr. Tkáč.

Prevention is Key

In many cases, stroke can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, maintaining optimal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and managing diabetes are fundamental steps to reduce stroke risk.

"Risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity are unfortunately becoming more common even among younger people. Regular check-ups and proactive health management are crucial steps in reducing the incidence of stroke," concludes Dr. Bassam Al Sabti.