CMC organises Acute Stroke Workshop for rural and urban physicians on World Stroke Day

Ludhiana, October 29, 2017: Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In Ludhiana district the risk of developing stroke in both young and old people is very higher compared to developed world. Particularly in rural parts of Ludhiana the risk is highest. However doctors who can identify and treat stroke are very few in the state. On the occasion of World Stroke Day (29th October) department of neurology, of Christian Medical College, Ludhiana organized an Acute Stroke Workshop.

Dr Mahesh Kate associate professor of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana and the organizing secretary of the Workshop said, “Time is brain, once the stroke patient comes to a doctor losing minutes can mean huge difference for the patient’s recovery. The purpose of this workshop was to empower practicing physicians and emergency medical officers to detect and manage stroke in a timely manner in their practice settings. Experts from different departments guided the physicians today.”

Dr. Jeyaraj Pandian head of the department of Neurology and renowned stroke specialist spoke about the risk of stroke in Ludhiana city. He suggested that stroke is occurring at a very high rate in young people in the city. He also emphasized that there is need of training for the doctors, nurses and other staff to treat stroke patients. This will help to develop stroke units. He has previously demonstrated at CMC Hospital that stroke unit care saves life at a very low-cost. He is currently working with World Health Organization to develop guidelines for improving stroke care in India, Africa and South-east Asia.

Dr.Clarence Samuel Professor of Community Medicine at CMC, Ludhiana revealed a shocking finding from the Ludhiana Rural Stroke Registry that stroke is the leading cause of death in villages in Ludhiana. One of the causes of these increased deaths could be due to lack of stroke facility and trained doctors available to the rural people. He was happy that many rural physicians were attending the workshop. This will help stroke patients in the villages.

Dr Shriram Varadhrajan an interventional Neuro-radiologist gave basic guidance how to use imaging to diagnose the stroke in patients. He also presented interesting cases about advanced stroke management options using catheter angiography to remove blood clots, “mechanical thrombectomy or endovascular therapy”. Endovascular therapy if used within first 6 hours may help improve recovery in stroke patients. Dr Vineeth Jaison assistant professor of Neurology talked about intravenous medication to dissolve brain clot. He said that if given within 4.5 hours in properly selected patients this medication can help in early recovery from stroke. He gave practical tips to give this medication.

Dr Sarvpreet Grewal department head of Neurosurgery spoke about a rare type of deadly stroke due to rupture of aneurysm (It is bursting of small balloon in the wall of the brain blood pipe), “Subarachnoid hemorrhage”. He said that early coiling surgery or endovascular therapy using catheter angiograpghy can help save lives. Dr Anil Luther a Vascular Surgeon emphasized need of brain blood pipe imaging with ultrasound, which is cheap and easily available. This will help prevent repeat occurrence of stroke in stroke patients. He said some patients might need early surgery of the brain blood pipes called carotid arteries if they are more than seventy percent blocked.

Dr Santhosh Mathangi head of department of physical medical rehabilitation said that rehabilitation is an important pillar of stroke treatment. Usually rehabilitation is neglected and stroke patients are not able to get back their full potential. Early rehabilitation by trained neuro-physiotherapist and occupational therapist is key to early recovery of stroke patients.More than 120 practicing physicians took part in the workshop. A quiz was conducted at the end of workshop to test the knowledge of the physicians. Many physicians who exceled in the quiz received a Stroke Star of Punjab certificate.

Dr G B Singh, State Program Officer for National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) moderated all the talks. He said that this kind of workshop is important. He further added that Government of Punjab has developed stroke unit in key government medical colleges and civil hospitals with help of CMC, Ludhiana and PGI, Chandigarh. Government also has made clot dissolving medication available free-of cost at these centres. Dr Mahesh Kate said, “that all physicians who are participating in the workshop will be helped by the current team of experts even in future using whatsapp groups by posting teaching cases.” All the participants took a pledge they will act-fast if they see a stroke patients because time is brain.