Ischemic stroke remains one of the deadliest and most disabling diseases in Indonesia, and early medical response can determine whether patients recover or suffer permanent disability. This message is emphasized in a peer-reviewed article by Raissa Amanda Helsah, Haur Syakira Radra, and Herlina Sari from Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh, published in 2026 in the International Journal of Integrative Sciences (IJIS). Drawing on a clinical case from Cut Meutia Regional General Hospital and an extensive literature review, the authors explain how timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.
The article matters because stroke continues to rank as a leading cause of death in Indonesian hospitals, accounting for more than 15 percent of hospital mortality. While public awareness of stroke has improved, delayed recognition and treatment remain common, particularly for ischemic stroke, which accounts for the majority of cases.
Why Ischemic Stroke Demands Attention
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding, and ischemic stroke, caused by blocked blood vessels. According to global and national data cited in the article, around 85 percent of all strokes are ischemic, making it the most common form.
In Indonesia, national health surveys have shown a steady rise in stroke prevalence over the past decade. Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and heart disease remain the dominant risk factors. As the population ages, the burden of stroke-related disability is expected to increase, placing pressure on families, healthcare systems, and the national economy.
The Universitas Malikussaleh team stresses that ischemic stroke is not only a medical emergency but also a preventable and manageable condition when handled promptly.
A Real Case from an Indonesian Hospital
To illustrate the clinical reality, the authors present a detailed case from RSUD Cut Meutia. The patient, a middle-aged man, was brought to the emergency department after experiencing sudden weakness on the right side of his body for two days. The symptoms appeared abruptly upon waking and were accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, and numbness.
Clinical evaluation, combined with the Siriraj Stroke Score, suggested a non-hemorrhagic stroke. A CT scan of the head confirmed an infarction in the left frontal and parietal lobes of the brain, consistent with thrombotic ischemic stroke.
This case reflects a pattern commonly seen in Indonesia: patients or families often delay seeking care, reducing the window for optimal treatment.
How Doctors Diagnose Ischemic Stroke
The article explains that stroke diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical observation and imaging. Doctors assess:
1. Sudden neurological symptoms, such as limb weakness, speech problems, or altered consciousness
2. Findings from neurological examinations
3. Brain imaging, especially CT scans, to distinguish ischemic stroke from hemorrhagic stroke
CT scans play a crucial role because treatment strategies differ significantly between stroke types. Giving the wrong therapy can worsen a patient’s condition.
“Imaging is essential to determine stroke type and guide safe treatment decisions,” the authors note, emphasizing the importance of hospital readiness and trained medical staff.
Treatment Focus: Saving Brain Cells Early
The patient in the case report received supportive care and targeted medications during the acute phase of stroke. These included intravenous fluids, blood pressure control, neuroprotective therapy, and medications to manage nausea and prevent complications.
Key elements of acute ischemic stroke management highlighted in the article include:
1. Maintaining adequate airway, breathing, and circulation
2. Controlling blood pressure without reducing brain perfusion
3. Preventing further brain injury through neuroprotective agents
4. Managing risk factors such as hypertension
One of the drugs discussed is citicoline, which helps protect nerve cells from further damage. The patient also received amlodipine, an antihypertensive medication recommended by Indonesian neurology guidelines for stroke patients.
Thanks to timely management, the patient showed a favorable prognosis, with good chances of functional recovery.
What This Means for Patients and Policymakers
The findings reinforce a critical public health message: time saves brain. The faster a stroke patient reaches medical care, the greater the chance of recovery.
For the public, the authors underline the importance of recognizing early warning signs, including facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. Immediate hospital referral can prevent lifelong disability.
For healthcare providers and policymakers, the article highlights the need to strengthen emergency stroke services, improve access to imaging facilities, and ensure standardized treatment protocols across hospitals, especially outside major cities.
According to Helsah and colleagues from Universitas Malikussaleh, early diagnosis and proper management “can reduce neurological deficits, improve functional outcomes, and enhance overall prognosis in ischemic stroke patients.”
Author Profiles
Haur Syakira Radra, Universitas Malikussaleh
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