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A stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced or interrupted, preventing the brain tissue from getting the nutrients and oxygen they need. When a stroke happens, brain cells can start to die in minutes. When you are having or have had a stroke, you may need stroke consultation. You will usually be referred for a stroke consultation if you have symptoms similar to a stroke or after your stroke is successfully treated. However, since a stroke is an emergency situation, and prompt treatment is crucial, stroke consultation may need to be done quickly to prevent further complications.
Stroke consultation can be done for various reasons, including:
Evaluating and treating patients with a stroke or suspected transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes).
Rapid evaluation and treatment for patients with low-risk of TIA. In some cases, with all necessary investigations carried out on the same day of consultation.
Urgent referrals for carotid surgery, if indicated.
Follow-up appointments for further investigations of stroke or a review of the long-term impact of stroke.
When you arrive at the hospital for your stroke consultation, your doctor will want to rule out other conditions that might cause your symptoms, such as migraine, a heart problem, seizure, or low blood sugar. To do this, your doctor will ask you several questions, including when your symptoms started. Your doctor will also review your medical history, including past hospitalizations and surgery, previous illnesses, medications you took in the past, and medications you are currently taking.
Once your doctor gathers all the information they need, they will check how alert you are and see if you have trouble with coordination and balance. They will also check if you cannot move one side of your face. Then, they will see if you feel weak or numb in any part of your body and see if you have trouble with your speech or vision.
Next, your doctor will do a physical exam, take your blood pressure, and listen to your heart. They will then need to do blood tests and imaging tests to find out the type of stroke you might have had, whether it’s ischemic or hemorrhagic.
The blood tests may include:
Complete blood count – checking the level of platelets and measuring the level of electrolyte in your blood.
Clotting time – this involves a pair of tests called prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin (PTT) time to check how quickly your blood clots.
The imaging tests may include:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – powerful magnets and radio waves are used in this test to create detailed pictures of your brain. The pictures created are typically sharper than other imaging tests.
Computerized tomography (CT) scan – several X-rays are taken from different angles and then put together to show if there is damage to your brain cells or bleeding.
Echocardiogram – This is an imaging test of the heart to look for enlarged parts of the heart or clots in the heart. It is done because in some cases, a clot forms in the heart and travels to the brain.
Carotid ultrasound – in this test, sound waves are used to find fatty deposits that may have blocked or narrowed the arteries that carry blood to the brain.
Angiograms of the head and neck – during this test, your doctor put’s dye in your blood in order to see your blood vessels through X-rays. This test is used to find aneurysm or blockage.
Once your doctor identifies the type of stroke you are having, they will immediately perform the appropriate treatment. If your symptoms are found to be caused by other illnesses, your doctor will refer you to the relevant specialist.
You will have follow-up appointments 6 and 12 months after your stroke, and then once a year. During these appointments, your doctor will ask you how you are managing and whether you are still making progress towards your goals. Make sure to tell your doctor if you are still having difficulties. You may be referred back to a speech and language therapist if you are still struggling with language or communication. You will also be offered assessment and treatment if you are having problems with your emotions.
Since stroke consultation is immediately followed by treatment, you need to stay in the hospital for five to seven days. It is advisable that you stay in Greece for about 14 days for follow-up appointments and the initial recovery period.
Recovery time after a stroke can be slow and different for each person. The most rapid recovery, following your stroke consultation and immediate treatment, can take three to four months. However, some people continue to recover for one to two years after their stroke.
After stoke consultation and treatment, you will need rehabilitation, which may begin during your initial hospital stay. You can choose to have rehabilitation at the hospital in Greece where you have your stroke consultation and treatment, or back at home. The goal of rehabilitation is to restore or improve your speech, motor, sensory, or cognitive skills so that you can be as independent as possible.
Stroke consultation is very effective and safe. It has success rates in finding out the type of stroke you have and the type of treatment you need. There is no risk involved in stroke consultation itself. However, the treatment you will receive after consultation does carry some risks.
There is no other alternative to stroke consultation. You need to go seek medical help immediately after symptoms begin. The longer a stroke goes undiagnosed and untreated, the greater the potential for disability and brain damage.
Before stroke consultation, you may be experiencing symptoms of stroke, which can be dangerous and cause disabilities. After the consultation, you should get immediate treatment, thus increasing your chance to fully recover.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Located at the very bottom of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece is a mesmerizing blend of sun-drenched islands and historical marvels. Boasting approximately 2,000 islands, an impressive 170 among them are inhabited and teeming with life. Greece's geographical charm has been nowhere short of a magnet to travelling enthusiasts, pulling in a spectacular count of over 24 million wanderlust-struck visitors each passing year.
Greece turns out to be a preferred hotspot for a particular category of globe-trotters. Travelers come from the farthest stretches of the world seeking its array of top-tier beaches to soak up the sun, the warm ocean for an invigorating dip, the array of ancient relics for their history fix, and to immerse into an engaging culture. The universal allure of Greece, seemingly, never ceases to captivate the hearts of explorers worldwide.
The upward shift in Greece's status as a medical tourism hub has been quite noticeable in recent years. Medical tourists are being increasingly drawn to the country, a relative newcomer in the industry, due to a myriad of reasons. One of the core attractions is its health care system, which holds a high rank on the global scale. However, in spite of boasting of world-class standards, the medical services in Greece are pleasantly affordable. In fact, it flaunts some of the most pocket-friendly medical care prices across Europe and even globally.
The medical services that Greece provides run a comprehensive gamut. Cosmetic surgery and fertility treatments are particularly sought-after medical services, favoured by numerous medical tourists. Orthopedics also sees a consistent flow of patients, along with cardiac care procedures. The well-established oral and dental sector in Greece is another popular draw for people wanting to combine their medical treatments with a relaxing vacation. The availability of such diverse, high quality, yet affordable healthcare options certainly puts Greece on the map as a promising medical tourism destination.
The captivating city of Athens, the crown jewel of Greece, presents a dazzling blend of antiquated splendor, enchanting landscapes, and a vibrant modern core. The capital prides itself in harboring an unparalleled assortment of Greek ruins and antiques. Prime among them is the Acropolis, an iconic ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop. The Greek Agora, a central public space in ancient Greek city-states, adds an extra charm to Athens’ archaeological grandeur.
On the other hand, the striking island of Santorini stands as another touristic magnet in Greece. Admired far and wide, it carries the reputation of being the most breathtaking island in the country. The enormous allure of Santorini with its distinctive architecture, caldera views, and famous sunsets, keeps it perennially embedded in the bucket lists of travelers worldwide. From the captivating capital of Athens to the charming Santorini, Greece exhibits alluring facets that are truly hard to resist.
It is best known for its unique landscape and cliff-top towns. While Santorini is the most spectacular, Mykonos is the most glamorous. It is noted for its classy seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. Some of the most famous attractions in Mykonos, besides its beaches, are Paraportiani and Little Venice.
Set on the Mediterranean, Greece experiences a climate that is typically balmy and sun-soaked throughout the year with a cycle of four distinct seasons. Summers, spanning June to August, bring about warm and agreeable temperatures. This peak season draws in a large number of tourists, making it an ideal time to take a dive into the azure seas.
As September ushers in the fall season, the weather across Greece turns cooler but largely stays clear. On the flip side, winters starting from December to February reveal a different picture. Coastal cities remain warm but the country's northern regions experience significantly lower temperatures, occasionally even witnessing snowfall.
As March marks the arrival of spring, the weather begins to warm up again, though evenings can retain a cool nip in the air. Each season has its unique charm and adds to the overall allure of Greece.
Athens International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest hub for international air travel in Greece. This is typically the point of arrival and departure for a majority of international tourists exploring Greece. The extensive network of this airport caters to both domestic and international flights, connecting many global cities like Dubai, London, Moscow, and New York to the heart of Greece.
Among affordable means of transport, the ferry services stand out, particularly for travelling among the islands. They run on a frequent basis, with services especially ramped up during the sun-soaked summer months. For land travel, buses come across as largely comfortable and hassle-free, although the network is somewhat limited.
For intra-city travel within major Greek metropolises, the extensive network of buses and trolleybuses prove to be reliable options. Particularly in Athens, the capital city, the metro and tram systems offer additional efficient and cost-effective ways to explore the local attractions. Additionally, taxis, which are conveniently available quite everywhere, turn out to be extremely pocket-friendly. Whether hopping between islands or navigating city streets, Greece offers a range of transportation options to suit the needs and budgets of different travelers.
Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which means that citizens of most countries can travel to Greece without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Greece:
Citizens of all other countries need to obtain a visa to visit Greece.
You can apply for a Greek tourist visa at the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can vary depending on the country where you are applying, but there are some general requirements that all applicants must meet, such as having a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and proof of financial means.