Did You Know? Until 1995, There Was No Emergency Care for Stroke! Dr. Aswin Padmanabhan (Neurovascular & Interventional Radiologist, Believers Hospital)
Did You Know? Until 1995, There Was No Emergency Care for Stroke!
Times Have Changed—So Has the Story of Stroke
- Dr. Aswin Padmanabhan (Neurovascular & Interventional Radiologist, Believers Hospital)
Stroke: A Medical Emergency That Demands Immediate Action
The human brain is one of the most vital and complex organs, controlling everything from movement and speech to thought and emotions. A stroke—often referred to as a "brain attack"—can suddenly disrupt this delicate system, causing severe disability or even death.
If we look back to 1995, stroke was often a death sentence or a guarantee of lifelong disability. There were no effective treatments, and patients were left with permanent damage, often bedridden or unable to speak.
But today, everything has changed!
With advancements in medical science, stroke is no longer an untreatable condition. Time is of the essence. If a patient reaches the hospital within 4.5 to 24 hours, modern treatments can help restore brain function and enable them to return to their daily lives.
What Is a Stroke? Why Does It Happen?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke).
1️⃣ Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases)
This happens when an artery supplying blood to the brain gets blocked.
🔹 Causes: Fatty deposits (plaques) or blood clots
🔹 Effect: Lack of oxygen supply, leading to brain cell death
2️⃣ Hemorrhagic Stroke (13% of cases)
This occurs when a weakened blood vessel bursts and bleeds into the brain.
🔹 Causes: High blood pressure, aneurysms, blood-thinning medications
🔹 Effect: Increased pressure inside the skull, damaging brain tissue
⏳ The "Golden Time Window" for Stroke Treatment
If stroke treatment begins within the first 4.5 hours, there is a high chance of full recovery.
📌 tPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator):
🔹 A clot-busting drug that dissolves blockages in blood vessels
🔹 Must be given within 4.5 hours for the best results
🔹 Approved by the FDA in 1995—revolutionizing stroke treatment
📌 Mechanical Thrombectomy (Clot Removal via Catheter):
🔹 A procedure to remove large clots using a catheter inserted into an artery
🔹 Effective up to 24 hours after stroke onset
🔹 Became a breakthrough treatment after 2015
🔥 Advanced Stroke Care: Bringing Patients Back to Normal Life
Today, hospitals equipped with Neurovascular Interventional Radiology can provide cutting-edge treatments that help stroke patients regain function.
📌 Endovascular Stroke Treatment:
✅ Minimally invasive procedures using tiny catheters to remove clots
✅ Restores blood flow to the brain, preventing permanent disability
✅ Reduces mortality and improves recovery outcomes
🚨 FAST Test: How to Identify a Stroke?
Suspect a stroke? Use the FAST test to recognize symptoms quickly:
🟢 F - Face Drooping
Is one side of the face sagging?
🟢 A - Arm Weakness
Can the person lift both arms? Does one drift downward?
🟢 S - Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
🟢 T - Time to Call Emergency Services
If any of these signs are present, seek immediate medical attention.
🌟 The Future of Stroke Treatment: A Hopeful Outlook
With early diagnosis and timely medical intervention, stroke survivors no longer have to live with permanent disabilities. The key lies in awareness and immediate action.
💡 The sooner the treatment, the better the recovery! If you or someone around you experiences stroke symptoms, act fast—because every second counts!
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