Stroke

A stroke, often referred to as a "brain attack," occurs when there is a disruption in blood supply to a part of the brain. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to rapid cell death. Strokes can have profound and varied effects on an individual's physical and cognitive abilities, making it a significant concern in healthcare. Understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking prompt medical attention are crucial steps in preventing and managing strokes.

Condition Treated By The Stroke Department

• Ischemic Stroke: The most common type of stroke, caused by a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. This blockage can be due to blood clots or narrowing of the arteries.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding inside or around the brain tissue. This includes intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding within the brain tissue) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues that cover it).
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a mini-stroke, a TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain. It’s a major warning sign of a possible future stroke.
• Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST): A rare form of stroke where blood clots form in the brain’s venous sinuses, preventing blood from draining out of the brain.
• Cryptogenic Stroke: A stroke with no identifiable cause even after extensive testing.
• Stroke-Related Complications: The department also manages complications arising from strokes, such as paralysis, speech and language problems, memory and thinking difficulties, emotional changes, and swallowing problems.

Key Procedures

• Thrombolysis (Clot-Busting Therapy): Administering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a primary treatment for ischemic stroke (caused by blood clots). tPA dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. This treatment is time-sensitive and typically needs to be administered within a 4.5-hour window from the onset of stroke symptoms.
• Endovascular Thrombectomy: This procedure involves removing a clot from a blocked blood vessel in the brain using a catheter. It’s used for certain types of ischemic strokes, especially those involving large arteries.
• Carotid Endarterectomy: For strokes caused by carotid artery disease, this surgical procedure removes plaque buildup from the carotid artery in the neck to prevent future strokes.
• Angioplasty and Stenting: In some cases, angioplasty (widening of a narrowed artery) and stenting (placing a small mesh tube to keep the artery open) are performed to treat strokes caused by arterial blockages.
• Craniotomy for Hemorrhagic Stroke: In cases of hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding in the brain), a craniotomy may be performed to relieve pressure on the brain, repair damaged blood vessels, or remove a blood clot.
• Decompressive Craniectomy: For patients with severe ischemic strokes leading to significant brain swelling, this procedure involves removing part of the skull to allow the swollen brain to expand temporarily.

Advantages Of The Department

• Specialized Care: Stroke departments have teams specialized in stroke care, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and expert care.
• Rapid Response and Treatment: These departments are often equipped for rapid response, which is crucial for stroke treatment. Quick administration of treatments like thrombolytics can significantly reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Stroke departments have access to advanced imaging technologies, such as CT and MRI scans, which are critical for accurate and timely diagnosis of the type of stroke and appropriate treatment planning.
• Integrated Treatment Approach: They offer an integrated approach to treatment, including emergency care, surgical interventions, and rehabilitation services, ensuring continuity of care from the moment of admission through recovery.
• Rehabilitation Services: Stroke departments often include or are closely linked to rehabilitation services, providing essential therapy (physical, occupational, and speech therapy) that is key to recovery after a stroke.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.