In Tyrol around 1700 men and women suffer a stroke every year. The risk increases with age. But not only senior citizens are affected for a long time. Around 10 percent of patients are under 55 years of age. On World Stroke Day on October 29th, State Health Officer Annette Leja (ÖVP) points out the importance of rapid first aid and the benefits of the now nationwide Tyrolean treatment path.
The Tyrolean treatment path is an outpatient concept that was launched in 2010. Hospitals, doctors, social districts, old people’s and nursing homes, physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well as speech therapists are involved. The concept has been offered across the whole of Tyrol since the beginning of 2020. The benefit: After acute care, patients can receive all-round care at home or in the home, because everyone involved is digitally networked.
“Around 600 people per year benefit from the Stroke Treatment Pathway in Tyrol and can thus receive good outpatient care,” says Andreas Huber from the State Institute for Integrated Care (LIV) of a project that is unique in Austria. Since the introduction of the stroke pathway, 50 percent of patients have become completely healthy, in total two thirds become healthy or have only minor deficits.
Every second counts, first aid is crucial
Whether and how well a stroke patient recovers depends primarily on first aid. Every second counts. Especially those until the rescue arrives. “Each and every one of us should be able to recognize the signs of a stroke quickly,” says Annette Leja, member of the state health council, recalling the symptoms. Typical signs of a stroke are visual disturbances, paralysis or numbness of one half of the body, speech disorders and comprehension difficulties, severe headaches, drooping corners of the mouth or dizziness with unsteady gait.
Leja: “Tyrol is well positioned”
“Even if the symptoms do not persist and disappear again after a few minutes, an investigation should be carried out. The risk of a further, more serious stroke within the next few hours or days is increased in such cases, ”the State Health Councilor points out. She further emphasizes that Tyrol is well positioned with the treatment path and other facilities. Four special units are available for acute follow-up care.