Bengaluru, October 29, 2021: Observing World Stroke Day on October 29, Sakra World Hospital, one of the leading healthcare providers in Bengaluru and India’s first FDI hospital, organised a walkathon to raise awareness on stroke and a free stroke check-up camp for its employees and the public on October 29 and 30, 2021. Sakra World hospital is also geared up to flag off its Comprehensive Stroke Clinic on October 30 at 8:30 AM that would offer complete stroke care services with an aim to effectively diagnose, treat, manage and prevent stroke and other stroke related severities in the presence of Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of National Institute Of Mental Health And Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.

The walkathon that begun at the wee hours of morning at 7:00 AM from Sakra World Hospital towards Kadubeesanahalli Bridge and back to the hospital had 150 participating employees followed by screening of the employees and others for stroke risk factors like cardiac problems, hypertension, diabetes and lipid disorders at the free stroke check-up camp in the hospital.

Elaborating on the need to raise awareness about stroke, Dr Shiva Kumar. R, Senior Consultant Neurologist & Epileptologist said,“We organised the walkathon to raise awareness about the need to identify symptoms of stroke, act quickly and arrange medical intervention without any delay. This would help people act faster and save their loved ones from death or a possible disability. On the other hand, at the stroke camp, our focus was on personal habits which increase the risk of stroke like smoking, alcohol and drug abuse. We had a calculator to assess the risk of stroke in an individual for risk stratification. The camp also covered stroke screening health packages like Carotid Doppler, MRI Brain with Angiogram, CT Angiogram, Specific blood tests for identifying the mechanism of stroke and the root cause. On prior appointments, we offered free neurology consultations and discount on stroke screening packages at the two-days-long camp.”

Both the walkathon and the free check-up camp were conducted by strictly adhering to the Covid-19 protocols like prior appointments, compulsory wearing of masks and appropriate seating arrangements and distance maintenance.

Stroke, as we all know, is a very common problem and can be treated and cured efficiently in the early stages. In case of stroke, the time plays a crucial role as the first 4.5 hours following an ischemic stroke is the golden period for administering ‘clot buster’ medication which is life- saving. Beyond the first 4.5 hours, treating options become limited and mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy) can be tried for up to 24 hours in selected cases. Stroke can affect anyone across all age groups and can be almost completely recovered with effective medications and rehabilitation.

Keeping the importance of timely intervention in case of treating stroke, Sakra’s Stroke Clinic comes with a wide range of stroke care services including:

• Adult and pediatric Stroke OPD
• Stroke Screening – Primary prevention and secondary prevention
• Lifestyle modifications and diet counselling for stroke risk reduction
• Intervention Neurology – Angiogram, Thrombectomy, Endarterectomy
• Stroke rehabilitation

Mr. Yuichi Nagano, Managing Director, Sakra World Hospital, said,“While stroke could lead to severe consequences on the brain, it is both curable and preventable. Knowing the importance of time and the signs of the stroke, it could be kept at bay. The Stroke Clinic at Sakra World Hospital comes with high end technology and aims at providing seamless and timely intervention to those with stroke and prevent further adverse impact on one’s brain and body.”

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Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and mortality. According to the Indian Stroke Association, the incidence of stroke in India has increased by almost 100 percent in the past few decades. Around 1.8 million people in India suffer from stroke every year. Identifying the early signs and symptoms and getting treatment within the first four and a half hours (usually termed as the Golden Hour) after the onset is crucial. A delay in seeking the right treatment can lead to disability or death.

Stroke arises when there is a blockage or rupture of the blood vessels in the brain. Lack of oxygen and essential nutrients in the brain can lead to the death of brain cells that brings in serious problems. Since the brain controls each and every action, any disturbances can hamper the brain’s function. A brain stroke can happen anytime irrespective of age, gender and can affect the ability to move, speak, eat, cognitive abilities, and control over your own body.

Stroke is a state of Medical Emergency

Ischemic Stroke is the most common type, around 85 to 88 percent of strokes fall under this category which causes loss of oxygen to the brain due to a blockage of a vessel in the brain. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to the rupture of blood vessels in the brain. This is called a hemorrhagic stroke which is rare. It is important for patients to get proper medical evaluations done at the hospital to identify the types of stroke they are having.

Patients should receive immediate medical attention within one hour-the golden hour after they develop symptoms of stroke as the patients have a much greater chance of surviving and avoiding long-term brain damage if they arrive at the hospital and receive treatment with a clot-busting drug. In case the patient goes without treatment beyond the golden hours, it increases the risk of irreversible damage to the brain.

BE FAST, don’t delay.

Time is the key to survival in times of stroke. Stroke can often be a silent or painless disease that occurs suddenly. It is also termed a silent killer. If you think someone may be having a stroke use the F.A.S.T method to identify the early signs and symptoms. It stands for FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time).

Identifying these signs and symptoms, reducing the risk factors, getting the best possible treatment available, and finding a hospital that is equipped to handle such critical conditions is vital.

Also Read: Brain Stroke Patients – Improve Quality of Life

Tips to follow

1. Seek help – Call for an ambulance if you find someone expiring the symptoms of stroke

2. Stay calm and look after the patient – One can also perform CPR before the arrival of the ambulance. Try getting information from the patient by talking to them and constantly monitoring their symptoms.

3. Don’t give any medicine or anything to eat – Avoid giving medicine such as aspirin, food or water to someone having a stroke. Stroke can cause paralysis which can make it difficult for the person to chew or swallow.

Dr. Srinivasa R

Lead Consultant – Neurology

Aster CMI Hospital

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Mumbai, 29^th October 2020: On the occasion of World Stroke Day, Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital has unveiled one of the largest comparative study of neurological deficit, morbidity, mortality and overall clinical outcomes of ‘Stroke in Non-COVID and COVID patients.’ While the risk of stroke incidence is only about 1.5% in COVID patients, they report poorer rate of recovery, functional outcomes and mortality rate as compared to their Non-COVID counterparts, the study reveals.

42 stroke patients, treated during May 1 to August 31 were analysed as a part of the study, ‘Stroke in Pandemic.’Two groups of patients were divided equally, on the basis of their COVID status, age group and comorbid conditions for accurate clinical outcomes.

As per the study, 1.4% of total COVID patients suffered stroke as opposed to several international studies, suggesting the prevalence to be between 5% to 6%. However, post intervention functional outcomes—fluency in speech, limb movement and cognitive abilities were extremely poor in COVID patients. The Non-COVID patients who suffered stroke reported relatively better neurological and physical recovery with comparatively shorter recovery period and no complications.

While the experts found no radiological differences in the two groups, the ‘stroke in COVID,’ group reported higher levels of D-Dimer—a biological marker for blood coagulation. Dr Pradyumna Oak, Director and Head of Neurology, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital and principal author of the study, attributed the differences in the two groups to missing the golden hour treatment window and infection induced systemic involvement.

“The study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and intensive care in managing stroke amidst the pandemic. The understanding of increased D-Dimer levels and probability of stroke correlation, can further strengthen prevention of stroke in COVID patients,”said, Dr. Oak

The study—coauthored by Dr. Priyanka Prabhu and Dr. Aditya Raheja will be replicated and extended to several other prominent stroke units of the city. “We have already tied up with prominent public and private hospitals of the city to replicate our study and confirm the findings in a larger patient pool. Consecutively, efforts to increase stroke awareness is a pre-requisite on the part of the medical community while spreading awareness about Covid-19 and its multifaceted effects,” Dr Oak added.

Mumbai’s First Stroke Helpline:

On the occasion of World Stroke Day, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital has launched a one-of-its-kind 24-hour ‘Stroke Helpline.’ The helpline, ’8405050548,’ will be attended by trained neurologists who can address all queries related to signs, symptoms, detection and treatment of stroke for people at large. The core aim of the helpline is to improve the ‘Golden Hour,’ treatment rate and reduce the morbidity and mortality of stroke.

Statistics:

1. Comparison of various variables between Covid & Non-covid cases

2. Days of admission till outcome

3. Within golden period:

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As the age increases one is more susceptible to having a stroke and also a strong family history increases the risk. Many factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity increases the incidence of stroke. But there are ways one can prevent stroke attack or in medical terms cerebero vascular accident.

Many factors such as obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, physical inactivity increases the chance of stroke. Simple change in habits, eating healthy, regular walking or any fitness routine can go a long way in keeping one healthy to prevent stroke.

Stroke – Risk factors:

1. Maintaining blood pressure is important for your vascular health to prevent the incidence of a stroke attack. If an individual is hypertensive or having high blood pressure the stroke risk is higher, hence regular monitoring of B. P and taking medications regularly as prescribed by the doctor for blood pressure is important. Stopping medications if the blood pressure is under control without consulting a medical professional or self-medicating is dangerous and will have serious consequences.

2. “Lose Weight”- This is repeated for prevention of many diseases but more so for stroke incident as obesity and especially abdominal obesity or visceral fat increases stroke risk. Strive for weight loss gradually and do not follow any FAD diets. A Balanced calorie deficit diet with physical activity will have an effective healthy weight loss than YO YO dieting. Consult qualified health professionals for customized diet recommendation and fitness routine which suits your work schedule and daily lifestyle.

3. Keep your Blood sugar under control by taking the right food loaded with complex carbohydrates, fiber in the form of vegetables and fruits of low glycemic index and balancing it with exercise like walking. Take your medicines or insulin regularly as prescribed by your doctor and regular monitoring of blood sugars will also help you to keep a track of your fluctuations in sugars. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels and diabetics are at an increased risk.

4. Quit smoking and take the help of a counselor to break the habit and find alternatives to break the craving. Act fast and do not delay as you know each day this dangerous habit is slowly spoiling your lungs and making you more susceptible in this pandemic situation.

5. Physical inactivity and stress are also a risk and simple exercises and fitness routine like stretches and brisk walking in the morning sunlight will do wonders to your overall health. Yoga and meditation are the best proven stress busters as deep breathing will enhance your respiratory health and help you relax. Maintaining a Food and exercise dairy will also motivate and keep you aware of your daily healthy habits.

6. Act FAST and do not delay to get into a healthy lifestyle to not only prevent stroke but also many other diseases to live a healthy and active life.

Ways to prevent stroke:

1. Recommended salt intake for an adult is only 5gms/day or one teaspoon by WHO. We all exceed this amount so do not add salt on the table- for e.g. do not add or sprinkle salt on your curd rice, salads,juice or buttermilk, chaas, fruits.

2. Increase fiber intake by including 1-2 servings of vegetables with your lunch and dinner in any form such as dry curries, low fat vegetable gravies, salads, raita or a traditional vegetable dish which you are familiar with in your region.

3. Seasonal Fruits to be included two- three times a day. Can be had with your breakfast or a mid-morning or evening healthy snack or after dinner.

4. Exercise- Incorporate a simple brisk walk for 30-40 minutes or in two 20 minute sessions which suits your daily schedule.

5. Yoga and meditation, listening to music of your choice, laughing or interacting with a friend, playing board games and spending time with family are great stress busters

Sreemathy Venkatraman
Clinical Nutritionist
BRAINS Hospital

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