What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. There are mainly two types: Ischemic stroke (caused by a blocked artery) and Hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a leaking or burst blood vessel). A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke' is a temporary disruption of blood flow and serves as a critical warning sign.

Common Symptoms (Remember F.A.S.T.)

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
• Time to call for help: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call emergency services and get them to the hospital immediately.

Our Approach to Stroke Care

• Acute Stroke Treatment: Rapid evaluation and administration of thrombolytic therapy ('clot-busting' drugs) for eligible ischemic stroke patients. Management of hemorrhagic stroke, including blood pressure control and potential surgical interventions.
• Advanced Diagnostics: Utilizing CT scans, MRI, and other imaging techniques for precise diagnosis and assessment.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: For certain large vessel occlusion strokes, mechanical clot removal may be an option.
• Stroke Unit Care: Dedicated inpatient care focused on neurological monitoring and early rehabilitation.
• Secondary Prevention: Identifying and managing risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation) to prevent recurrent strokes. This includes medication management and lifestyle counseling.
• Rehabilitation: Coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to maximize recovery and functional independence.
• Patient and Family Education: Providing comprehensive information about stroke, recovery, and long-term management.

When to See a Neurologist for Stroke

If you or someone you know experiences any symptoms of a stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Follow-up care with a neurologist is crucial after a stroke for ongoing management, risk factor modification, and rehabilitation planning.