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Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The First Middle East & North African Symposium on Stroke to meet in Dubai


Dubai,United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, April 17th 2012 [ME NewsWire]


Stroke, the destruction of brain tissue from blockage or rupture of blood vessels, is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability in the world.  Stroke is also a common problem in Arab countries being second only to heart attack as a cause of death.  Populations in Arab countries have similar lifestyles and diet that may influence stroke risk, as well as stroke type and survival after stroke.  Preliminary studies suggest that the main risk factors for stroke in Arab countries are undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormally elevated blood sugar (diabetes), smoking and elevated cholesterol.  In Arab countries ischemic stroke resulting from blockage of brain arteries is the most common type of stroke, although data from Sudan indicates that 41% of all strokes in this country are brain haemorrhages due to rupture of cerebral arteries from hypertension.  Recent information indicates that these same risk factors for stroke also damage memory and predispose to Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly.

Public Health advances in the past few years have shown that national programs have made it possible to decrease the risk of stroke around the world.  Moreover, with optimal medical treatment the prognosis of acute stroke can also improve, lowering the risk of death and decreasing the severity of the sequels.  Better prognosis depends of knowledge on the part of the public of the warning signs of stroke, along with rapid attention and efficient stroke units in hospitals.

To discuss these advances and to interchange experiences in stroke management in several Arab countries the First Middle East & North African Symposium on Stroke met in Dubai (UAE) on March 29 and 30, 2012, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Hotel, under the aegis of Ferrer Group (Barcelona, Spain).  Distinguished speakers and physicians from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan participated in the meeting, the first of its class in the Arab countries.  The discussions were conducted by two international experts in the field of stroke: Prof. Antoni Dávalos, Clinical Director of the Department of Neurosciences at University Hospital “Germans Trias i Pujol” and Associate Professor of Neurology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, and Prof. Gustavo Román, Professor of Neurology and the Jack S. Blanton Distinguished Endowed Chair, Director Nantz National Alzheimer Center at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, Texas, USA.  Prof. Dávalosis a leader in the field of stroke treatment and has participated in numerous trials including the recently completed ICTUS trial on the use of Citicoline (Ferrer) in acute ischemic stroke; Prof. Románis an international authority in the study of the link between stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as in the epidemiology of stroke and dementia prevention.

The First Middle East & North African Symposium on Stroke hopes toresult in implementation of Public Health policies and hospital services in all countries of the region leading to better prevention and to a decrease of the terrible consequences of stroke.
 
Stroke symptoms include:
 
1) SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.

2) SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.

3) SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

4) SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

5) SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause.

If you develop any of the above symptoms, call your doctor or go to the hospital for emergency evaluation.  DO NOT WAIT!
 
About Ferrer

Founded in 1959, Ferrer is a privately-held Spanish pharmaceutical company, with full vertical integration from R&D to distribution. It is present in more than 90 countries, with 23 international affiliates. Ferrer is active in the pharmaceutical, health, fine chemicals and food sectors, key areas for contributing to people’s health and quality of life.

Since the beginning, Ferrer has been committed to the research and development of innovative medicinal products in its six R&D centres (four in Spain) and to a solid industrial structure, with thirteen manufacturing centres (seven in Spain). This research and manufacturing capacity covers the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, vaccines, fine chemical, food and feed sectors.

In recent years, it has concentrated on diversifying across the whole healthcare spectrum, including prescription drugs, hospital products, molecular diagnostics, OTC and self-care. This diversification goes hand in hand with the setting-up and consolidation of strategic alliances.

The main therapeutic areas covered by Ferrer’s pharmaceutical production are dermatology, cardiovascular, CNS, cancer, gastrointestinal, analgesics, bone metabolism, antibiotics, immunology, diagnostics, OTC and dermocosmetics.

Contacts


Josep Bonet i Papell
International Marketing Manager
Somazina / Ceraxon (CNS)
www.ferrergrupo.com
Tel  +34 936003731



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