Our organization is strongly advocating for two key concepts.

 

  Guntur (prajaamaravati);

Our organization is strongly advocating for two key concepts

: 'Don't paint all strokes with the same brush' and 'Time is brain.' We aim to ensure that most stroke cases receive prompt attention at nearby Stroke Ready Hospitals for emergency imaging and treatment. Despite progress in treatment and technology, a widespread misconception remains in the community: 'Brain stroke leads to irreversible loss.' Nevertheless, immediate imaging with a basic CT scan can greatly differentiate between hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. This differentiation is vital, as treatment protocols and blood pressure targets differ. Upon diagnosing an ischemic stroke, assessing its severity and determining suitability for thrombolysis is essential. Thrombolysis administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset can significantly impact functional outcomes. The need for thrombectomy must be determined based on CT neck and brain angiography, with recent guidelines extending the window period from 6.5 to 24 hours. Accurately identifying the type of stroke is crucial for guiding future treatments and secondary prevention. We stress the importance of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors in our OPDs, as they significantly impact heart and brain strokes. Every minute counts in acute stroke, and increasing awareness about the latest advancements is essential for the general public.

We at Kims Sikhara have round the clock available emergency and critical care team with onboard Neuro team for Acute neurological emergencies.  Inhouse CT and MRI will save valuable window period in stroke.

45 yr old patient, known diabetic and hypertensive, auto driver by occupation, came to us with complaints of sudden left upper and lower limb weakness from 12 noon on 19/05/2025. 

He reached our hospital by 5:30pm and on evaluation, he was found to have a block in one of the major arteries supplying the right half of the brain.

Our neuro-sciences team (Dr. Pradeep Reddy - neurology, Dr. Lakshman - neurosurgery and Dr. Vivek Lanka – neuro-interventional radiology) immediately stabilised the patient and took him up for a new procedure called “mechanical thrombectomy”, where-in they were able to open the blocked blood vessel in a short span of time and restore blood supply to the right half of the brain.

On the next day post procedure, the patient started showing remarkable recovery in his weakness and started moving his limbs. Rehabilitation team undertook early mobilisation of the patient and now, in a matter of less than a weak from his paralysis, the patient is nearly back to his original self. He is on the road for complete recovery in the next couple of weeks.

10 yrs ago, such major brain strokes/sudden major paralysis were considered in-curable. Most of these patients eventually show some improvement but remain bed ridden and need care-giver support for the rest of their life. 

Moral of the story is that most brain strokes have a potential for magical recovery if the patient reaches the right hospital at the right time. It is important for everyone to understand that brain stroke is an emergency, not very different from a heart attack and early treatment before permanent damage ensues makes all the difference.

10 yrs ago, such major brain strokes/sudden major paralysis were considered in-curable. Most of these patients eventually show some improvement but remain bed ridden and need care-giver support for the rest of their life. But with advent of new technology and knowledge, we are able to prevent major damage and give a new lease of life to these patients.