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Studies by the Public Health Foundation show that stroke is the second leading cause of death
worldwide and fourth leading cause of disability. Studies also show that 12% stroke patients in
India are aged below 40.
Recently Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman Narayana Health in NH Dialogues had discussed about types,
symptoms, risk factors, prevention, rehabilitation and treatment methods for stroke patients
across globe. Dr, Vikram Huded, HOD & Consultant Interventional Neurology at NH Health City,
Bangalore, Dr V R Rao, HOD & Consultant Physiotherapy at NH Health City, Bangalore and Dr
Smitha Caren Mathias, Speech and Swallow Pathologist at NH Health City, Bangalore joined Dr.
Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health, in a 40 minute Q&A session.
Symptoms
The general symptoms include
Sudden onset of weakness and numbness in one side of the body including face, hand and
leg
Loss of speech or difficulty in speaking and understanding speech
Difficulty in swallowing
Loss of vision of trouble in viewing
Dizziness and sudden headache
Loss of balance and lack of coordination
Vomiting and nausea
Loss of consciousness
Risk factors
Indians are genetically prone to stroke due to predominance of metabolic syndrome. The change
in lifestyle and socio-economic conditions have increased the stress and altered the food habits,
increasing the chances of developing hypertension and diabetics. This has resulted in an increased
number of stroke patients in India. The common risk factors include
Treatment
The treatment depends on the type of stroke whether it is an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
The FDA-approved treatment for the ischemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which
is given intravenous and dissolves the clot. This enhances the blood flow to the brain. In case of
hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may perform a surgery and may prescribe medicines to lower the
blood pressure. The treatment of TIA can be done through surgical and non-surgical procedure.
In surgical procedure, the clot can be removed from the artery and in non-surgical procedure, a
stent can be placed in the infected artery through angioplasty.
Prevention
The chances of developing a stroke can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating fiberrich diet and doing exercise. Other steps include
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation accelerates the recovery of the stroke patient. There are three stages of
rehabilitation including acute, sub-acute and chronic stage. In acute stage, the patient is
recovered immediately by removing the clot and in sub-acute and chronic stages, the focus is to
improve the functional abilities of the patient so that he/she becomes independent and get back
to normal life.
Physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, clinical therapy and occupational therapy play a
vital role in patients recovery. All these therapies help the patients improve their functional,
speaking and swallowing abilities. The patient also become mentally and emotionally stable and
gets confidence to get back to society. Watch the full length webinar at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGD5qsaT0e8