Amman: A newly established stroke unit at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital is accelerating the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients in northern Jordan, providing specialized care during the critical first hours after symptoms appear.
According to Jordan News Agency, the unit is located within the hospital's Emergency Department and is designed to shorten the time between a patient's arrival, diagnosis, and the start of treatment, thereby reducing the risk of complications and long-term disability. Hospital Director Walid Halabi highlighted that this unit represents a significant addition to specialized medical services in the northern region, enabling rapid assessment and continuous monitoring of stroke patients from the moment they arrive.
The stroke unit is equipped with continuous vital-sign monitors, electrocardiogram equipment, and devices to monitor oxygen levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose. It is also supported by medical imaging and laboratory services necessary for diagnosing strokes and determining the appropriate treatment plan.
Halabi stated that trained medical and nursing teams operate the unit, managing patients according to the severity of their condition and their need for specialized care. Since the unit began operating, the hospital has received around 20 stroke cases. Plans are underway to expand capacity, upgrade equipment and specialized services, and provide further training for medical and nursing staff as needs and resources allow.
Qais Saadi, a consultant neurologist at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital and assistant professor at Yarmouk University's Faculty of Medicine, noted the importance of the unit's location inside the Emergency Department. Treatment outcomes are closely linked to how quickly patients are assessed after the onset of symptoms.
Saadi explained that stroke symptoms can include sudden facial drooping, difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body affecting the arm, leg, or face, as well as a sudden loss of balance. He urged anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest hospital.
Patients suspected of having a stroke undergo a clinical assessment, a CT scan of the brain, and required blood tests to determine the appropriate treatment. Saadi mentioned that some patients might be eligible for clot-dissolving medication within four and a half hours of the onset of symptoms, provided they reach the hospital within the treatment window and have no medical contraindications.
The decision to administer the medication is made after evaluating the patient's condition and medical history and completing the necessary tests. Having a dedicated unit inside the Emergency Department helps shorten the time needed to administer clot-dissolving treatment to eligible patients, who then require continuous monitoring of vital signs.
The hospital's Neurology Department provides round-the-clock medical coverage for stroke cases, with an on-duty physician overseeing diagnosis, determining eligibility for treatment, and arranging subsequent monitoring, imaging, and other examinations.
Princess Basma Teaching Hospital has a capacity of 504 beds, with the potential for further expansion, in addition to 53 emergency beds. The hospital also includes 13 operating rooms, specialized medical departments and units, and an integrated Emergency Department.