Parc Taulí is a center of reference in the care of stroke patients with a multidisciplinary and comprehensive team that offers quality care. Guaranteeing rapid action from the onset of stroke symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.
Hemorrhagic stroke is the most common in children, causing a cerebral hemorrhage due to the rupture of a blood vessel. Most are due to a vascular malformation. This was the case of Noa Eslava Martí, who on July 7, while she was swimming in the pool at her home, began to have a very bad eye pain.
"He thought water had entered him. But immediately he started to lose his balance and throw up”, explains his mother Lídia Martí. They quickly called 061 (SEM-Medical Emergency Service) and in a few minutes healthcare professionals and a portable ICU showed up in Sant Quirze.
The first healthcare professionals who went to Noa's home suspected a possible neurological problem and the Stroke Code was quickly activated. Upon arrival at Parc Taulí, a team made up of neuropediatricians, neuroradiologists, pediatricians and the nursing team were waiting for Noa to start the circuit. The CT scan confirmed a massive brain bleed and Noa went straight to the neurosurgery operating room.
"We knew it was serious, but not to what extent. When we saw Dr. Jorge Herreria, the neurosurgeon who operated on Noa, our first question was. What sequels can be left? He looked at us and told us that first they had to save his life and then we would talk about it. At that moment, we were aware of the gravity of the situation", explains Miguel Ángel Eslava, Noa's father.
The operation lasted three hours. The 12 days following the pediatric ICU at Parc Taulí were decisive for Noa's evolution and life. "After this first phase of danger, all the doctors gathered us together and explained the possible subsequent scenarios. Although the prognosis was not at all hopeful, because the stroke had affected a very important part of her brain, we were always positive and trusted in Noa's strength", says Lídia Martí.
The following days were a constant evolution. Thanks to the rehabilitation, he started to move the right side of his body. “We would play her songs that she liked and she would sing them with her hand; he started writing on an electronic tablet. A few days later, he started to move the left side of his body, regaining his strength. Every day was a step forward, until we were discharged on August 10 and Noa left walking alone", recalls her mother.
Her father, mother and brother, along with family and friends, were by Noa's side throughout this time. This strength was very important for Noa to continue fighting to recover.
"Noa's case has been a miracle. But without the quick action of the Parc Taulí professionals, it would not have been possible", thank their parents.
Noa has recovered perfectly. He continues with the controls at Parc Taulí, but he already lives a completely normal life with his family and friends. He has even returned to practice, with caution, his great sport: kickboxing.
Dr. Ana Roche, neuropediatrician at Parc Taulí, remembers that "time is brain in stroke. It is very important to call 061 to activate the Stroke Code and start preparing the circuit, you can't waste a minute".
Incidence of stroke
Strokes can be divided into two types: ischemic and hemorrhagic. The first is the most common in the adult population that originates when a thrombus obstructs an artery preventing the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain region that depends on that artery. It is one of the most frequent health problems, affecting 13.000 people every year in Catalonia, causing different levels of disability in 45% of those affected.
On the other hand, hemorrhagic strokes are more common in children, causing a cerebral hemorrhage due to the rupture of a blood vessel. Despite being rare, they have a prevalence of 2 to 4 cases per 100.000 children and young people. Despite the low incidence, Parc Taulí is a benchmark in the care of these patients. Parc Taulí holds around 15 actions a year to activate the stroke code in children. In total, Parc Taulí serves around 900 people a year.
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