The Hindu : Karnataka News : A stroke of bad luck? Not really

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Karnataka

Karnataka

A stroke of bad luck? Not really

Staff Reporter

Paralysis can be prevented, also treated, doctors say

Bangalore: Learn to identify a brain stroke and ensure the victim reaches a hospital within six hours. Stroke, also called brain attack or paralysis, is the second leading cause of death in those aged over 60, and the fifth leading cause in those between 15 and 59 years.

But the heartening fact is that it can be prevented as well as treated, provided the person gets timely treatment. This is the message being underlined by neurologists in the city on the occasion of World Stroke Day being observed on Friday.

Why it occurs

A stroke occurs when blood circulation to a part of the brain fails. Brain cells can die from decreased blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen, leading to dysfunction of brain tissue in that area. The GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) that runs the 108 Arogya Kavacha in the State has attended to 6,263 stroke-related emergencies from November 1, 2008, till date. Of these, 1,629 are from Bangalore alone.

One in six

According to the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), one in every six individuals can have a stroke during their lifetime and that is why the WSO has launched the ‘One in Six' campaign this year. In India, every year 14 lakh people are felled by stroke. But very few reach a neurologist on time.

The WSO has also observed that of the 3,800 who are afflicted with acute ischemic stroke every day, only 380 or 10 per cent reach the hospital within three to six hours. That is why awareness is the need of the hour.

Time is of the essence

“At the very first symptom of a stroke, the family of the patient needs to rush to a stroke unit at the earliest. The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) is making efforts to create awareness on early diagnosis and appropriate management,” said neurologist G.T. Subhas, who is Dean and Director of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).

Vikram Huded, neurologist and stroke specialist in Narayana Hrudayalaya, explained that warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding; sudden blurred vision in one or both eyes; sudden difficulty in walking, dizziness and loss of balance or coordination.

In certain cases, there could be sudden severe headache also, he said.

“Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting. Sometimes the warning signs may last only for a few moments and then disappear,” Dr. Huded said.

Don't neglect signs

Pointing out that these brief episodes, known as transient ischemic attacks or TIAs, are sometimes called ‘minor strokes', he said: “Although brief, they identify an underlying serious condition that cannot be treated without medical help. Unfortunately, these signs are ignored by most people as they clear up fast. If timely medical help is sought, an impending major stroke can be prevented.”

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