Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the Philippines. Each year, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos suffer strokes, and many more live with its debilitating aftermath. Factors such as high blood pressure, rising rates of diabetes, lifestyle risks, and uneven access to emergency care contribute to this ongoing issue.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, or a blood vessel ruptures. In both cases, brain cells are starved of oxygen and nutrients and, as a result, brain tissue begins to die within minutes, potentially resulting in disability or even death.
Fortunately, with faster intervention, many of the worst outcomes can be prevented. Modern stroke care, especially with specialized centers like the Institute for Clinical Neurosciences at Mary Mediatrix Medical Center in Lipa, Batangas offer cutting-edge technology, an expert team of medical professionals, and life-changing treatment that give patients the best chance to survive and recover.
Stroke symptoms can strike suddenly, with little warning — facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, blurred or double vision, severe headache with no known cause, dizziness, or loss of balance.
“The ‘golden window’ for effective treatment, especially for ischemic strokes caused by blood clots, is within three hours of symptom onset,” said Edna Cuasay, M.D., Head of the Mary Mediatrix Institute of Clinical Neurosciences.
Mary Mediatrix is a stroke-ready hospital equipped to deliver stroke care within this timeframe with the use of advanced surgical techniques and other treatments. This significantly increases the chances of reversing damage and reducing disability.
A Leap Forward for Stroke Care
The Mary Mediatrix Medical Center Institute for Clinical Neurosciences is designed to provide specialized, high-quality stroke diagnosis and treatment for patients in Batangas and the rest of Southern Tagalog. It directly addresses gaps in the access to neurologists in many areas, as well as the lack of stroke-ready hospitals outside Metro Manila, where patients used to have to travel long distances for urgent care.
The Institute for Clinical Neurosciences is staffed with dedicated neurologists and equipped with advanced neuroimaging tools such as MRI and CT scanners, a neuro-microscope for surgical precision, EMG-NCV and EEG machines, and even an epilepsy monitoring unit. These technologies aid in faster, more accurate diagnosis, targeted intervention, and comprehensive treatment planning for stroke and other brain conditions.
Mary Mediatrix not only makes stroke specialists now readily available in the region but also serves as a training center for neurologists, expanding the pool of skilled professionals who can provide quality care where it’s needed most.
Prevention through lifestyle
While age and genetics play a role, strokes may be prevented by managing risk factors and adopting healthy habits. Proven steps that reduce stroke risk include controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol and diabetes, and avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, both of which contribute to vascular disease.
With the Institute for Clinical Neurosciences at Mary Mediatrix Medical Center, residents of Batangas and neighboring regions now have access to world-class stroke care, right at their doorstep—a life-saving advantage for those who need it most. For more information, call 043-7736800.
