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Stroke Unit

Email: info@medihospital.com.cy

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When every minute counts, immediate and well-organised medical intervention can determine the outcome of a person’s life.

The Vascular & Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus is a specialised, high-readiness unit dedicated to the rapid diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care of patients with Acute Stroke and other acute vascular and neurological conditions.

The Unit operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing full support to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus for both emergency and scheduled cases.

The rapid response of the Unit’s specialised team during the critical first minutes following the onset of a stroke is a decisive factor in:

  • Saving the patient’s life
  • Reducing permanent neurological damage
  • Preserving functional ability
  • Improving quality of life and recovery outcomes

The Vascular & Stroke Unit manages:

  • Ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes
  • Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIA)
  • Acute neurological and vascular conditions
  • Cerebral vascular occlusions
  • Neurological emergencies
  • Complex conditions requiring specialised neurological and interventional management

The Unit operates according to modern international treatment protocols and works closely with:

  • The Neurology Department
  • The Radiology Department
  • The Intensive Care Unit
  • The Cardiology Department
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • As well as the other specialised services of the Hospital

ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

At Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, every stroke case is managed with speed, expertise, and a patient-centred approach, with the aim not only of providing treatment, but also of preserving the patient’s independence and dignity.

The Vascular & Stroke Unit is supported by state-of-the-art medical technology and advanced infrastructure for emergency neurological and vascular care.

The Unit has access to:

  • 160-slice CT scanners operating 24 hours a day
  • 1.5 Tesla MRI scanners
  • Angiography / Cath Lab systems
  • Advanced neuroimaging systems
  • Patient monitoring and telemetry systems
  • Equipment for emergency thrombolysis and interventional treatment
  • Full integration with Hybrid Operating Theatres
  • Access to the Intensive Care Unit
  • Advanced digital healthcare infrastructure, including PACS, RIS, and EMR systems

The advanced technological infrastructure enables:

  • Immediate and accurate diagnosis
  • Rapid therapeutic decision-making
  • Real-time collaboration between multiple medical specialties
  • The application of modern interventional and treatment techniques for the management of acute stroke cases.

The Vascular & Stroke Unit is staffed by a specialised multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in the management of acute neurological and vascular conditions.

The team includes:

  • Neurologists
  • Interventional Neuroradiologists
  • Cardiologists
  • Intensivists
  • Radiologists
  • Anaesthesiologists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Specialised Stroke Care Nursing Staff

The close collaboration between all involved specialties enables the rapid activation of Stroke Response protocols and ensures comprehensive patient care from the moment of arrival through to the rehabilitation phase.

The team’s continuous training, the implementation of international clinical guidelines, and the utilisation of advanced technologies demonstrate Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus’ commitment to providing high-level specialised Stroke Care services, with a focus on speed, safety, and optimal clinical outcomes for patients.

Services

Time is Brain: The Critical Battle Against Stroke

A stroke causes damage to the brain due to a disruption of blood supply to a specific area (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding caused by the rupture of a blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke).

“Time is Brain”

The treatment of stroke within 3–4 hours from the onset of symptoms is critical for achieving the best therapeutic outcomes and reducing complications. The phrase “Time is Brain”, widely used in the English medical literature, highlights the extremely limited time window available to save brain tissue. It is estimated that approximately 2 million neurons are lost for every minute of delay in restoring blood flow following a vessel blockage.

At the Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, the most advanced treatment methods are applied in accordance with the latest international guidelines, aiming to maximise clinical benefit for every patient. In parallel, the Hospital’s fully equipped Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit ensure enhanced medical and nursing monitoring and care for patients requiring closer supervision.

The coordinated collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of highly trained and experienced specialists, including:

  • Neurologists
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Interventional Radiologists
  • Vascular Surgeons
  • Interventional Cardiologists
  • Intensivists
  • Anaesthesiologists

ensures the most comprehensive management possible for patients with cerebrovascular conditions.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to provide the optimal treatment approach for every patient experiencing an acute stroke.

At Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, we are committed to providing excellence in patient care.

Services of the Stroke Unit

The Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus is a specialised hospital unit dedicated to the diagnosis, immediate management, hospitalisation, and monitoring of patients with acute strokes and other serious cerebrovascular conditions.

The Unit operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is fully integrated into the Hospital’s on-call system, working in close collaboration with the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E), the Neurology Department, the Radiology Department, the Intensive Care Unit, and all supporting services of the Hospital

Immediate Assessment and Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is the most important factor in the successful management of stroke. The Unit ensures:

  • Immediate neurological assessment by specialised Neurologists.
  • Rapid access to Brain Computed Tomography (CT).
  • Access to Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) when required.
  • Angiographic and vascular imaging examinations.
  • Continuous laboratory support from the Hospital’s Clinical Laboratory.
Management of Acute Stroke

The Unit applies internationally recognised protocols for the management of acute stroke cases, aiming to restore cerebral blood flow as quickly as possible and minimise neurological damage.

The therapeutic approach includes:

  • Specialised neurological assessment
  • Continuous monitoring of vital signs
  • Management of ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes
  • Collaboration with specialised Interventional Radiology teams where required
  • Support from the Intensive Care Unit for critically ill patients.
Specialised Inpatient Care and Monitoring

Patients are hospitalised in a specially organised environment that provides:

  • Continuous neurological monitoring
  • Monitoring of cardiovascular parameters
  • Prevention and management of complications
  • Management of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiac arrhythmias
  • Coordinated care by specialised Stroke Care nursing staff.
Secondary Stroke Prevention

The Unit’s role extends beyond the management of the acute stroke event and focuses also on the prevention of future strokes through:

  • Identification and management of risk factors
  • Specialised cardiological and vascular assessment
  • Monitoring and optimisation of medication therapy
  • Education and guidance for patients and their families.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration

Rehabilitation is an integral part of the treatment process. The multidisciplinary team of the Stroke Unit works closely with:

  • Physiotherapists
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Neurologists
  • Nurses specialised in neurological rehabilitation

with the aim of achieving the greatest possible functional recovery and supporting the patient’s safe return to everyday life.

Multidisciplinary Approach

The management of every case is based on the close collaboration of Neurologists, Radiologists, Cardiologists, Intensivists, Nurses, and Rehabilitation Professionals, ensuring comprehensive and personalised care for every patient.

At the Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus, every minute matters. For this reason, our team remains continuously prepared to provide immediate, modern, and comprehensive management of acute strokes, with the goal of saving lives and preserving the quality of life of our patients.

FAQ

What is a Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident – CVA)?

A Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident) occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, or when bleeding occurs within the brain. The lack of oxygen can cause permanent damage to brain cells within minutes, which is why immediate medical attention is essential.

What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?

The most common symptoms include:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually affecting one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
  • Loss of balance or difficulty walking
  • A severe and sudden headache with no apparent cause

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should call an ambulance immediately or seek urgent medical attention at the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E).

How is a Stroke Managed at the Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus?

The Stroke Unit works in close collaboration with the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E), the Neurology Department, the Radiology Department, the Intensive Care Unit, and other specialised services.

Upon the patient’s arrival, an immediate clinical assessment is performed along with specialised diagnostic imaging, enabling rapid decision-making and the initiation of the most appropriate treatment plan.

What does the Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus offer?

The Stroke Unit of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus provides 24-hour specialised care, immediate access to advanced diagnostic investigations, continuous neurological monitoring, and a multidisciplinary approach involving Neurologists, Intensivists, Radiologists, Cardiologists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, and specialised Nursing Staff.

Our goal is the rapid management of the acute stroke event, the prevention of complications, and the fastest possible recovery and return of the patient to everyday life.

What should I do if I suspect someone is having a stroke?

If you notice sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, loss of vision, or problems with balance, do not wait for the symptoms to improve.

Call the Ambulance Service immediately or go without delay to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) of Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus.

Early transfer to a specialised Stroke Unit can significantly reduce the risk of permanent disability and improve the patient’s prognosis.

Can a patient fully recover after a stroke?

The recovery process depends on the type and severity of the stroke, as well as on how quickly treatment was initiated. Many patients achieve significant or even complete functional recovery when the condition is diagnosed and managed promptly.

Specialised follow-up in the Stroke Unit, combined with physiotherapy, speech therapy, and neurological rehabilitation programmes, plays a crucial role in improving quality of life and supporting the patient’s return to everyday activities.