With stroke ranking high among the leading causes of death in Jamaica and leaving many survivors with disabilities, access to expert knowledge about prevention, recognition, and treatment is crucial.

During his recent visit to the Caribbean Neurosciences Symposium in Montego Bay, Dr. Italo Linfante, medical director of interventional neuroradiology at Baptist Health’s Miami Neuroscience Institute, shared insights on the latest treatment advances that are dramatically improving patient outcomes. In this interview he also offers essential guidance on stroke prevention and emergency response.

Q: Stroke is a leading cause of death in Jamaica. What should people know about recognising stroke symptoms?

A: The key is remembering the acronym FAST – face, arm, speech and time. If you see someone whose face suddenly droops on one side, they can’t move one of their arms, or their speech becomes garbled or they can’t find the right words, it’s time to call emergency services immediately. Usually, the patient doesn’t recognise when they’re having a stroke because the brain is affected, but people around them can notice these changes.

Q: What immediate actions should people take if they suspect someone is having a stroke?

A: The most important thing is to get emergency medical care as quickly as possible. While waiting, keep the patient lying down with their face turned to the side. This position helps in case of seizure or vomiting and actually improves blood flow to the brain compared to standing up. Unlike heart attacks, we don’t have immediate treatments that can be given at home – the focus must be on getting to the hospital quickly.

Q: How has stroke treatment advanced in recent years?

A: We’ve made remarkable progress. We’ve been using a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which allows us to physically remove blood clots from brain vessels. At Baptist Health, we can now deliver initial treatment within 20 minutes of a patient’s arrival. These advances have helped us reduce mortality and disability rates from around 30% to near 5%.

Q: Can you tell us about the new research you’re conducting?

A: We’re currently leading exciting research on a treatment called HEMERA-1, an oxygen carrier that helps dilate blood vessels and protect brain cells during stroke. This is part of a field called neuroprotection, where we try to support the brain while treating the stroke. The initial results are very promising.

Q: What are the main risk factors for stroke that people should be aware of?

A: The risk factors for stroke align closely with those for heart disease. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity are major concerns. Blood pressure should be kept below 130/80, and cholesterol below 200. Body mass index is also crucial – being overweight can lead to other risk factors. Another important factor is ventricular fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm that can significantly increase stroke risk.

Q: How does Baptist Health approach stroke recovery and prevention?

A: We take a comprehensive approach. It’s not just about the immediate treatment – we have strong rehabilitation programs and preventive care services. Our collaboration with the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute ensures that patients receive complete care for all aspects of their vascular health. Modern stroke care is truly a team effort, focusing on prevention, emergency response, and recovery.