A panel discussion on brain stroke awareness was organised by Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur this Friday

Jaipur, 28 December 2022: Today stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. Many stroke survivors face significant challenges that include physical disability, communication problems, changes in how they think and feel, loss of work, income, and more. In order to raise more awareness on brain strokes, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur organised a panel discussion this Friday at Hotel The Fern. The panel consisted of Dr. Neetu Ramrakhiani, Director, Neurology; Dr. Vikas Gupta, Additional Director, Neurology; Dr. Sharad Sharma, Pediatric Neurology; Dr. Hemant Bhartiya, Director, Neurosurgery; Dr. Vivek Vaid, Additional Director, Neurosurgery; Dr. Sankalp Bhartiya, Consultant, Neurosurgery and Dr. Akshay Mangal, Associate Consultant, Neurosurgery. 

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted either through a blocked whistle in the brain (ischemic stroke) or a burst of the vessel in the brain which is called a (hemorrhagic stroke). According to the Indian Stroke Association, 17 million people suffer stroke each year, out of which 6 million die and 5 million remain permanently disabled. Dr. Neetu Ramrakhiani, said, “Once a patient has suffered a stroke, there are chances of  recurrent strokes. Thus, it is important to understand the risks associated with primary and recurrent strokes to be able to minimize them. It is important that the patient reaches a stroke ready hospital (a hospital that has the equipment and facilities of CT scan available 24x7 and necessary processes to treat stroke) within the golden hour period.”

Talking about the risk factors, Dr. Vikas Gupta said, “The major risk factors for stroke can be divided into two parts - modifiable risk factors, wherein we can take preventive measures like hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia or high cholesterol, inactivity, and obesity and non-modifiable risk factors - advanced age,  family history amongst others. Another condition that can predispose a patient to stroke is atrial fibrillation. It is the irregular beating of the heart which can increase the chances of stroke by recurrent clot formation. Smoking, oral tobacco, hukka, unhealthy lifestyle, and dietary patterns lead to a higher risk of stroke.”

Sharing some common tips to prevent strokes, Dr. Ramrakhiani said, “Strokes can be prevented by regular intake of prescribed medication and lifestyle changes like exercise, smoking cessation, and a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Cutting down  salt intake on the recommendation of your doctor to one teaspoon per day helps in stroke prevention. Movement or activity even for durations as short as 1 to 2 minutes after every one hour of inactivity is helpful. Weight loss, if you are overweight and limiting the amount of alcohol to safe limits also helps. Quitting tobacco in all forms whether oral tobacco, cigarette, or bidi is also useful.”

Dr. Sharad Sharma, talked about stroke in kids, “Strokes in children most often happen within the first month after birth. These are sometimes called perinatal (or neonatal) strokes. Most perinatal strokes happen during delivery or right after delivery when the baby doesn't get enough oxygen while traveling through the birth canal. Strokes also can affect older kids. But most of these are caused by another condition that stops the flow of blood to the brain or causes bleeding in the brain.”

Talking about the treatment of a brain stroke, Dr. Hemant Bhartiya said, “Sometimes, a surgery is suggested to the patient to prevent further strokes (ischemic stroke). A small number of severe ischaemic strokes can be treated by an emergency procedure called a thrombectomy. This removes blood clots and helps restore blood flow to the brain. Thrombectomy is only effective at treating ischaemic strokes caused by a blood clot in a large artery in the brain.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited   

“Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.”