Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Stroke could be reversible if we act on time. How many in India know how to save a stroke victim?


·         Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad is focusing on a new initiative to create awareness among people on how crucial it is to admit a stroke patient within 4 hours to be able to reverse the consequences
Ghaziabad, Nov 2013: According to estimates by the World Health Organization, 80% of the stroke cases in the world would occur in developing countries like India by 2050. But, how many people know the symptoms of a stroke and how many are aware that it is possible to reverse its impact only if the victim gets medical help within 4 hours?
According to estimates made by the National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health in a report, there will be 1.67 million annual stroke cases in the country by 2015. However, we are yet to take measures to counter this.
Dr. Pratik , Neurologist, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ghaziabad Says; A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. The effect of a stroke depends on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.
Columbia Asia Hospital, Patiala has organized an awareness program to discuss issues regarding stroke and provide information on how symptoms could be reversible, if the patient is treated within 4 hours of its occurrence - medically considered to be the golden hours for a stroke afflicted person.
The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body. Other symptoms include difficulty speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause; fainting or unconsciousness; says Dr.Pratik
Precisely, when the blood supply in the brain gets interrupted causing a part of the brain to die, it can be rightly considered as brain attack or a stroke. However its intensity varies on which part of the brain is affected. When the stroke is due to a blood clot, it is called an ischemic stroke, whereas temporary blood clotting leads to a mini stroke. At times, when the blood vessel in the brain bursts and bleeds causing extreme damage inside the brain, it could be termed as hemorrhagic stroke. Aneurysm, a type of hemorrhagic stroke is one of the most common causes of a stroke where an artery or a blood vessel balloons, weakens and bursts within the brain causing damage; says Dr.Pratik

At Columbia Asia Hospital, we consider it our responsibility to not only provide good health facilities to visitors but also inform them of the health hazards that threaten them. We aim to create awareness about various symptoms which helps a person to recognize a stroke. Prevention of stroke is also another important aspect which is gaining importance in recent times. Quick action and immediate medical intervention, not exceeding four hours of its occurrence could be miraculous and life-saving for a patient As part of the initiative doctors are speaking to patients and visitors about the possibilities in a stroke and informing them of the right course of action.
Although it is difficult to predict a stroke, it is crucial to know that one can undo its affects, if medical intervention is provided to the patient as early as possible, post the occurrence of the attack. Medically, it is proven that the initial four hours are very hopeful for a stroke patient, no matter how bad his/her condition might be. And, if the patient gets proper treatment within this time limit, a lot of damage can be nullified and the stroke could be reversed.
About Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd.

Columbia Asia Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. is one of the first healthcare companies to enter the country through 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) route.

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