Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the country, affecting hundreds of thousands of Filipinos each year. Health experts stress that when it comes to stroke, every minute counts.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of permanent disability or death.
Doctors warn that the first three hours after symptoms begin — often called the “golden window” — are critical.
“The golden window for effective treatment, especially for ischemic strokes caused by blood clots, is within three hours of symptom onset,” said Dr. Edna Cuasay, Head of the Institute for Clinical Neurosciences at Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa, Batangas.
Recognizing stroke symptoms early can save lives. Warning signs include sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, numbness in the face or limbs, blurred vision, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
In many parts of the Philippines, limited access to stroke specialists and stroke-ready hospitals has delayed urgent care. Patients outside Metro Manila often had to travel long distances, losing precious time.
Mary Mediatrix Medical Center aims to close that gap through its Institute for Clinical Neurosciences, a stroke-ready facility serving Batangas and the Southern Tagalog region. The center is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scanners and is staffed by trained neurologists who can quickly diagnose and treat stroke patients within the critical window.
Early intervention can significantly reduce brain damage, reverse symptoms in some cases, and improve the chances of recovery.
Beyond emergency care, doctors emphasize prevention. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and excessive alcohol use increase stroke risk. Managing these conditions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the likelihood of stroke.
As stroke cases continue to rise due to lifestyle-related diseases and uneven access to emergency care, experts repeat a simple message: Act fast. Getting to a stroke-ready hospital within the first few hours can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.
