Medical assistance for acute stroke is provided free of charge under the national healthcare program.

Free inpatient treatment is available for patients transported by emergency medical teams, transferred from other healthcare facilities, or who arrive on their own in an urgent condition.

In Odessa, three multi-profile hospitals provide care for acute stroke patients, having agreements with the National Health Service of Ukraine: municipal clinical hospitals No. 1, No. 10, and No. 11.

Assistance includes an initial assessment by a neurologist or neurosurgeon and neuroimaging for all patients suspected of having an acute stroke within 60 minutes of arrival.

These hospitals are equipped with CT scanners, and modern angiographers are available in hospitals No. 10 and No. 11.

The guaranteed free medical assistance package includes health monitoring, anesthetic support, thrombolytic therapy, and laboratory and instrumental studies.

Rehabilitation should commence as soon as possible after hospitalization, including consultations with a speech therapist and psychologist within the first 72 hours.

Inpatient rehabilitation occurs at hospitals No. 1, No. 10, and No. 8, while outpatient services are offered at hospitals No. 1, No. 10, No. 11, No. 8, and diagnostic consulting center No. 29.

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The success of acute stroke treatment largely depends on how quickly the patient arrives at the hospital. Symptoms can be remembered with the acronym BRAIN:
- Speech: difficulties in speaking;
- Face: sudden facial asymmetry;
- Balance: loss of balance and coordination, severe headache;
- Eyes: sudden vision impairment;
- Limbs: sudden weakness on one side.

To recognize a stroke, ask the person to smile, say a simple sentence, or raise their arms. Difficulty performing even one of these tasks may indicate a stroke. In case of suspicion, immediately call emergency services at 103!