Fortis Hospital plans series of events to raise stroke awareness
Author(s): City Air NewsA photograph related event held at Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana. Ludhiana, October 24, 2015: World Stroke Day, established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006, is observed worldwide on October 29 to underscore...
cityairnews
Oct 24, 2015 09:30
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A photograph related event held at Fortis Hospital, Ludhiana.
Ludhiana, October 24, 2015: World Stroke Day, established by the World Stroke Organization in 2006, is observed worldwide on October 29 to underscore the serious nature and high rates of stroke, raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of the condition, and ensure better care and support for survivors. In India, approximately 1880 people die every day due to stroke or Brain attack. Many more are left permanently paralysed, disabled or dependant, altering their course of life, besides causing large economic burden on their families and society.
As part of it social initiatives, Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, the premier tertiary care centre of the region has planned a series of events to raise stroke awareness. The first event held on Saturday was with stroke survivor patients and their families. Around45 patients gathered on the occasion to interact with each other, and shared their experiences.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Alok Jain, Consultant Neurologist and Dr Vishnu Gupta, Neuro-interventionist and Senior Neurosurgeon shared their views about recent advances in acute stroke management and stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Jain explained that stroke is a potentially treatable condition in many cases, provided the patient reaches an adequate medical facility within few hours of stroke. Patients with ischemic stroke can be injected with a brain clot dissolving drug (thrombolysis) which restores the blood supply to brain and reduces the residual paralysis. But once this crucial window period is lost, patient is more likely to be left with permanent brain damage and disability. Dr Jain stressed that such treatment carries a bleeding risk as well, hence is best administered under expert guidance only.
Dr. Gupta, who holds special expertise in interventional techniques, told that Fortis Ludhiana has highly advanced facilities of intra-arterial thrombolysis and mechanical clot removal as well , options which are useful in stroke patients presenting a little later or carrying a high bleeding risk.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vivan Singh Gill, Facility Director, encouraged the patients and their families to continue with their fight against stroke related disability and regain maximum functional independence.
Dr Harpreet Brar, Head Administration, informed that this year the theme on World Stroke day is ‘I am Woman’ which is to highlight the impact of stroke on women, who are more at risk than men, but are less likely to receive the care they deserve.
The doctors concluded that much greater awareness is required in the general public regarding the advanced treatment options in Brain attack, so that more stroke related deaths can be prevented, and the patients can be salvaged from a disabling paralysis for life. Dr Ankush Mehta, Medical superintendent informed that the hospital is planning more such activities over the next week in the hospital complex as well as surroundings schools and colleges to reach out to the masses.
Date:
Saturday, October 24, 2015
