The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : New machines to help victims of stroke

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

New machines to help victims of stroke

Staff Reporter

St. Martha's Hospital has received the new equipment

BANGALORE: Machines, which will help in rehabilitation of stroke victims, were unveiled by Indian Space Research Organisation chairman Madhavan Nair at St. Martha's Hospital here on Tuesday.

Mr. Nair said more such facilities were needed to treat stroke patients.

Stroke or "brain attack" occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks, interrupting blood flow into an area of the brain. When either of these happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.

As a result of cell damage, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. Stroke is the third leading cause of death among Indians after heart diseases and cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of stroke include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, sudden confusion, trouble in speaking or understanding, sudden trouble in one or both eyes, or in walking, and sudden and severe headache, with no known cause.

The stroke centre at the hospital has received over 100 new pieces of equipment, mostly imported, through contributions made by Rotary Foundation, U.S, and Rotary Club of Bangalore. Some of the new machines, including a treadmill with a harness to help stroke patients in gait training, a hydraulic hoist to help those recovering from the critical stage from the bed to the wheelchair, a cycle attached to the wheelchair to help improve muscle strength and different kinds of walkers. The rehabilitation centre was established in 2004 to help stroke victims. Dr. Ram Bhalla, specialist in physical medicine, said the hospital had adopted a multi-disciplinary approach in treating stroke patients. The centre admits patients for rehabilitation. A minimum two-week stay is recommended by the hospital. Details can be had on phone numbers 22275081/ 82 between 8.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m.

Mr. Nair said the village resource centre would be extended to another 6 lakh villages.

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