So far this year, the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery "Manuel Velasco Suárez" (INNNMVS) of the Ministry of Health has trained three thousand professionals, primarily first-contact, in the timely detection and diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease (CVD), also known as stroke, a severe condition with a high risk of mortality.
In an interview on the occasion of World Stroke Day, celebrated on October 29, the neurologist at INNNMVS, Nicolás Escobedo Zuñiga, emphasized that the institute carries out activities to disseminate information with the aim of expanding the knowledge of more people and first-contact professionals about this disease and the importance of early treatment.
A stroke, whether a hemorrhage or a cerebral infarction, is a vascular event that can lead to death or disability. Therefore, it is crucial that the affected person receives medical attention within the first four hours from the onset of symptoms, which may include sudden loss of the ability to speak or to move a part of the body.
The specialist advised the population to remember the formula "chameleon": CA, drooping face; MA, hanging hand; LE, stuck tongue; and ON, to take action, to seek medical attention at the nearest unit in case these sudden symptoms occur. He highlighted the importance of acting quickly to receive the necessary treatment.
Regarding training, currently, ten experts from INNNMVS are conducting a virtual course for 60 general practitioners. The course provides tools related to cerebral infarction, symptom identification, correct referral to hospitals, and secondary prevention to avoid further damage and provide timely attention.
Secondary prevention involves controlling chronic diseases that are risk factors for developing a stroke, such as uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, circulation problems due to fatty plaques in the neck, atrial fibrillation, susceptibility to clot formation, cardiac medication, among others.
INNNMVS emphasizes that training significantly contributes to reducing demand at the tertiary level of care since many cases can be resolved at the secondary level if identified and treated properly and on time. It is essential that first-contact professionals are well prepared to improve the quality and speed of care for stroke patients.
Additionally, it is noted that training courses are open to professionals from different institutions, whether public, private, or working independently. These courses may be free or through scholarships of varying percentages. Soon, the "Autumn School" on CVD will take place, where national and international specialists will present the latest advancements on the topic.
On the occasion of World Stroke Day, various activities have been organized, such as illuminating the main building of the institute with blue-green colors that identify actions against stroke. Additionally, a free information session on risk factors, symptoms, and treatments against stroke was organized, as well as the Third Race Against Stroke in Chapultepec Forest.
These initiatives aim to follow the guidelines of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to improve the quality of life, strengthen preventive medicine, and primary care as fundamental pillars of the health sector. World Stroke Day, promoted by the Stroke Foundation, seeks to raise awareness of the disease and highlight the importance of prevention.
