‘Early diagnosis key to combating stroke’

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, October 29

Stroke (brain attack) is a major global public health problem and still remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. The estimated incidence of stroke has increased more than 100 per cent in low- and middle-income countries including India over the last four to five decades.

The Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study indicated a 26 per cent increase in global stroke death during the past two decades, a very alarming figure. There is limited data regarding stroke prevalence in India. Every year approximate 15 lakh Indians suffer from stroke.

“Recently, the World Stroke Organisation warned that “One in Four” people in the world will suffer a stroke in their lifetime, a red corner notice. We are facing major challenges in preventing and treating stroke, largely because of recent demographic changes, limited public awareness, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity and hypertension. We need a comprehensive stroke care programme,” said Dr Manik Mahajan, DM Neurology, Fortis Escort Hospital.

“Stroke is a medical and surgical emergency. Time is very crucial in stroke management. Every crossing minute we lost millions of neurons if the obstructed clot is not dissolved or removed. Recently, medical science has taken great leaps in the advancement of stroke therapies and recovery efforts with much-improved outcomes. Once the stroke is identified, the patient should be immediately rushed to the nearest hospital with facilities pertaining to treatment of stroke including CT scan. For treating acute ischemic stroke patient, a drug known as a thrombolytic agent is injected which dissolves the clot and helps resume blood supply to the brain, but within 4.5 hours only. Now, the clot can also be removed safely,” added Mahajan.

“Brain attack has a deleterious consequence for individuals, families and society. It impacts all domains, including normal body functions. So, being fit and healthy is the first step with regular exercise and checking blood pressure, weight and cholesterol regularly with the moderation of alcohol and smoking. Early identification of stroke symptoms and urgent reporting to a comprehensive stroke centre is a crucial step for better tomorrow. So let’s call everyone, individuals, families, communities, health professionals and governments to join the fight against stroke,” said Dr Ashok Uppal, a neurologist.