Sestrinski glasnik, Vol. 31 No. 2, 2026.
Other
Case report - From symptoms to full recovery: the power of timely intervention
Ivana Novina
; Nastavni zavod za hitnu medicinu grada Zagreba, Heinzelova 88, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
*
Marinela Lovrić
; Nastavni zavod za hitnu medicinu grada Zagreba, Heinzelova 88, 10 000 Zagreb, Hrvatska
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability, requiring extremely rapid symptom recognition and timely initiation of treatment. This case report describes a 73-year-old female patient who achieved an exceptionally favorable treatment outcome. The patient developed sudden-onset neurological deficit manifesting as facial asymmetry, impaired speech, and left arm weakness, approximately one hour before hospital arrival. Her medical history included multiple cardiovascular risk factors, including arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and hyperlipidemia. During the prehospital assessment, the emergency medical service team carried out the FAST protocol, enabling rapid and objective stroke recognition as well as timely hospital prenotification. Upon admission, the stroke protocol was immediately activated. The diagnostic workup included laboratory tests, non-contrast computed tomography of the brain, and CT angiography, which confirmed the presence of a vascular occlusion. Intravenous thrombolytic therapy was initiated within the therapeutic time window, and the patient was admitted to the neurological intensive care unit. Thanks to timely medical intervention, by that same afternoon the patient no longer exhibited any neurological deficit, clearly confirming the effectiveness of implementing the FAST protocol in everyday clinical practice. This case report contributes to the healthcare literature by emphasizing how a well-organized healthcare system, clear communication channels, and trained healthcare professionals can significantly reduce time to treatment and improve functional outcomes, even in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. The main purpose of this paper is to show that timely symptom recognition and the earliest possible medical intervention have a decisive impact on acute ischemic stroke outcomes, directly affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. With advances in modern medicine and contemporary therapeutic approaches, stroke no longer necessarily means permanent immobility. If treatment is initiated in time, many patients can achieve very good functional recovery.
Keywords
Ischemic Stroke; Brain; Case Report; Treatment Outcome
Hrčak ID:
350216
URI
Publication date:
15.8.2026.
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