Every year, 20 million people will suffer from stroke in the world, and it is estimated that 1 in 6 people will get a stroke in their lifetime.

WHAT IS STROKE?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to a part to the brain ruptures and bleeds, or when there’s a blockage in the blood supply due to a clot in the brain. The rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain’s tissues and as a result the brain cells began to die. Stroke is a serious medical emergency condition that damages the brain and can lead to paralysis or even death, if not treated immediately.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF STROKE?

80% of all strokes are Ischemic strokes while the rest 20% are Hemorrhagic.

There are three types of stroke:

1. Transient ischemic attack (TIA/mini-stroke) - blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted and reverses on its own.
2. Ischemic Stroke – blockage caused by clots or plaque in blood vessels in the brain
3. Haemorrhagic Stroke – rupture/ burst of the blood vessel in the brain

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF STROKE?

Like any other organs, the human brain too needs oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, the brain cells start dying and this can lead to brain injury, disability and possible death.

A number of factors may increase your risk of having a stroke which includes the following:

1. Old age (especially 55 or older)

2. Lack of physical activity

3. Heavy consumption of alcohol

4. Use of drugs

5. Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke

6. Being overweight or obese

7. Uncontrolled High blood pressure

8. High cholesterol

9. Diabetes

10. Sleep apnea

11. Cardiovascular disease

12. COVID-19 (source: https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/10/09/covid-19-may-increase-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-for-years)

13. Excessive use of anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners)

14. Personal or family history of stroke or heart attack

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE?

Acting F.A.S.T. can help an individual having a stroke get the treatment they require as soon as possible. The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:

F – Face:  Check for Face drooping (ask the person to smile)

A - Arms: Check for arm drifting downwards (ask the person to lift one or both arms).

S – Speech: Check for slurring or speech difficulties (ask the person to repeat a simple line).

T – Time: Save time. Act promptly and contact a stroke-ready hospital immediately.

Other symptoms of Stroke includes -

• Confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness
• Sudden behavioural changes, especially increased agitation
• Vision problems, such as trouble seeing in one or both eyes with vision blackened or blurred, or double vision
• Trouble walking
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Dizziness
• Severe headache with an unknown cause
• Seizures
• Nausea or vomiting

TREATMENT OF STROKE

For the most effective treatment of stroke, a person must be given immediate medical attention. Treatment depends on the type of stroke you have, including the part of the brain that is affected.

Stroke is usually treated with medication. This includes medicines to prevent and dissolve blood clots, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, in some cases, certain procedures (Mechanical Thrombectomy- a process in which blood supply to the part of the affected brain is restored by a Neuro Interventional Radiologist and the functionality of the individual is recovered completely) are required to remove blood clots. [Neurointervention is an advanced procedure that uses minimally-invasive, catheter-based approaches to treat specific diseases of the blood vessels of the head, neck and spine.] ( Can we mention Neuro intervention briefly). Surgery may also be required in some patients to treat brain swelling and reduce the risk of further bleeding.

The main treatment for an Ischemic stroke is Alteplase, or tPA, a thrombolytic medication, mostly known as a "clot buster." It can quickly break up or dissolve blood clots that are causing a blockage in the blood flow to the brain. This drug must be administered within the initial 4 & ½ hours after the first symptoms of stroke appear.

For an ischemic stroke, doctors sometimes perform an endovascular catheter-based procedure, in which a long, narrow tube is pushed through a blood vessel into the brain to remove a large blood clot.

Treatments for a Hemorrhagic stroke include controlling blood pressure and terminating any medications that could increase bleeding. A blood transfusion with blood clotting factors also might be required to stop the ongoing bleed.

In addition, a Hemorrhagic stroke may require an endovascular procedure or surgery to help stop and prevent further bleeding.

HOW TO PREVENT STROKE?

While it is not always possible to prevent a stroke, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of having a stroke to a great extent. Medications can help reduce the risk of blood clots, which can lead to stroke.

You can reduce your risk of having a stroke by:

• Knowing and controlling blood pressure

• Maintaining low cholesterol levels

• Healthy diet

• No smoking and use of narcotic drugs and controlled intake of alcohol

• Controlling diabetes

• Managing weight

• Managing stress

RECOVERY FROM STROKE

Recovery time after a stroke varies from person to person. It depends on the amount of brain damage the patient has suffered. It can take weeks, months, or even years. Most patients recover fully and are able to resume almost normal activities as prior to the attack, while few are left with long-term /lifelong disabilities compromising their way of life. The process of rehabilitation depends on the symptoms and their severity. It often starts in the hospital and can be continued long-term at home or at a local physiotherapy clinic in your community.

Stroke rehabilitation includes working with speech, physical and occupational therapists.

Speech therapy helps people with speech and language disability to communicate with clarity.

Physical therapy helps you re-learn movement and coordination of skills that one may have lost because of the stroke.

Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily basic activities such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.

Therapy and medicine may help with patients suffering from depression or other mental health conditions following a stroke.

WHY GNRC IS CONSIDERED THE TOP MOST HOSPITAL FOR STROKE TREATMENT?

GNRC is the pioneer multispecialty hospital in Northeast India, and it is known for a wide range of treatments for all kinds of Neurological conditions. GNRC Hospitals is the best hospital in the entire Northeast India to manage and deliver comprehensive stroke treatment to acute and chronic stroke patients. The Neuroscience department at GNRC comprises of experienced and highly skilled and expert Neurologists in guwahati, best in class Neurosurgeons in Assam and finest Interventional Radiologist, making it the best hospital for stroke treatment and a topmost stroke-ready hospital in the state.

GNRC offers wide-ranging acute Neuro-intervention Services under a single roof consisting of intravenous stroke thrombolysis for patients arriving within 4.5 hours of onset, intra-arterial stroke thrombolysis within 6 hours, and mechanical clot withdrawal for those coming within 8 hours of the onset of stroke. With an experience of over 38 years and a dedicated team of Neurologists and comprehensive stroke care services, GNRC treats nearly 1800 stroke patients yearly and is considered as the best stroke hospital in Northeast India.

If you believe you are having a stroke - or someone you know is having a stroke don't wait for the symptoms to improve or worsen. Call 18003450011 (toll-free) immediately. Making the decision to call for medical help on time can make the difference in avoiding a lifelong disability in your or your loved one’s life.