Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. A stroke is the rapid loss of brain functions due to disturbance of blood vessels of the brain. There are two major types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in part of the brain becomes weak and bursts open, causing blood to leak into the brain. This results in death of the brain cells due to lack of oxygen and glucose.
Within minutes the affected area of brain becomes nonfunctional, resulting in the inability to move one or more limbs, inability to understand or speak or inability to see one side of visual field. A stroke does not discriminate amongst its victims; it affects people of any age group, social status and gender. Though stroke symptoms may not be as painful or dramatic as a heart attack, brain stroke can be just as life-threatening or debilitating. Stroke is a medical emergency.
The symptoms of stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected. The most common symptoms include:
The chances of death or disability can be reduced by recognizing the signs of stroke and getting the immediate medical help. Quick medical care and treatment can save precious lives. It can also prevent serious and long-lasting problems. Individuals who are suffering a stroke are required to get immediate medical care so that lifelong disability can be avoided. It is very vital that they reach the hospital within 4-5 hours of the onset of a stroke. Time is of the utmost importance and essence. Our neuro specialists are available round the clock to provide patients with accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Emergency treatment options for acute stroke include:
This is performed in a dedicated neuro intensive care unit with the help of an experienced multidisciplinary team which includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-intensivists, trained nursing staff and hospitalists manage all aspects of specialized care.
Rehabilitation helps significantly in regaining functions lost from damage due to stroke. Comprehensive neurorehabilitation and long-term, risk-factor modification programs are available at Citi Neuro Centre. Under the direction of our Neurorehabilitation specialists, patients learn to maximize their function and resume normal activities to the fullest extent possible.
Identification of potential & reversible stroke risk factors
