A stroke causes brain damage resulting either from interruption of blood supply to a specific area (ischemic stroke) or from bleeding due to rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). More specifically, an ischemic stroke is caused by blockage of cerebral vessels either due to the formation of a clot in a narrowed artery (thrombosis) or by a clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain arteries via the bloodstream (embolism). The type, severity, and recovery of symptoms depend on the size of the underperfused area as well as the time to reperfusion. A hemorrhagic stroke may be caused by rupture of a cerebral aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation, or by rupture of small vessels, resulting in intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage. A patient with a suspected stroke is rapidly assessed upon arrival at the Emergency Department to confirm the presence of a stroke. Nurses with extensive experience in emergency care receive the patient and activate the Stroke Medical Team. A specialized neurologist performs immediate clinical assessment, while in collaboration with experienced radiologists—and with the aid of CT and/or MRI scans—the extent and nature of the brain injury are determined. The goal of treatment for ischemic stroke is the dissolution or removal of the clot obstructing the cerebral vessel and the restoration of normal cerebral blood flow. Within 4.5 hours from symptom onset, intravenous administration of a specialized thrombolytic medication (Actilyse r-tPA) may be performed. Under specific conditions, this medication dissolves the clot and restores normal cerebral perfusion. Within 24 hours from symptom onset, mechanical thrombectomy may be applied under specific criteria to reopen the occluded vessel. This method is used in combination with intravenous thrombolysis within the first 4.5 hours in patients with severe stroke (NIHSS > 6) due to large-vessel occlusion, or as a standalone treatment when thrombolytic therapy is contraindicated or in cases of delayed presentation. Thrombectomy represents the most recent therapeutic advancement for severe strokes, achieving vessel recanalization in approximately 70–80% of cases. Correct recognition of stroke symptoms and immediate arrival at the hospital play a critically important role in treatment outcome. However, data from the World Stroke Organization show that 70% of stroke patients are unable to recognize the symptoms. Modified Stroke Recognition Test – Cincinnati Stroke Scale Stroke symptoms can be recognized simply by following these steps: Arms Ask the patient to raise both arms with palms facing up and eyes closed. Normal: Both arms move equally or not at all Abnormal: One arm is weaker and drops Face Ask the patient to smile. Normal: Both sides of the face move equally Abnormal: One side moves less or not at all; facial drooping is observed Speech Ask the patient to say a simple sentence, such as: “I came home from work.” Normal: Repeats correctly without slurring Abnormal: Cannot repeat correctly, slurs words, uses incorrect words/sounds, or cannot speak at all Act Immediately If any of the above findings are abnormal, do not delay—contact the Emergency Department of our hospital immediately, which is equipped with a specialized Stroke Unit. Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate management and timely arrival at the hospital. “Time is brain” Treatment of stroke within 3–4 hours from symptom onset is crucial for treatment effectiveness and reduction of complications. The phrase widely used in English-language medical literature—“time is brain”—highlights the extremely narrow time window for brain salvage. It is estimated that approximately 2 million neurons are lost per minute of delay in treating vessel occlusion. At the Stroke Unit of the Mediterranean Hospital, the most modern therapeutic approaches are applied in accordance with the latest international guidelines, aiming to maximize clinical benefit for the patient. At the same time, the hospital’s fully equipped Intensive Care Units and High-Dependency Units ensure enhanced medical and nursing monitoring and care. The seamless collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of highly trained and experienced specialists—including neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, intensivists, and anesthesiologists—guarantees the most comprehensive possible management of patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Our team is on continuous 24/7 readiness to provide optimal treatment for every stroke patient. We are committed to delivering excellence in patient care.