New report by Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society.
By Raif Karerat
The incidence of paralysis and stroke in India is alarmingly increasing by almost 50 percent every year, according to a new report published by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society.
Furthermore, 40 percent of Indians die after a major stroke, 30 percent need full support, and more than 50 percent do not go back to work.
Speaking to the Health Site, Dr. Anil Karapurkar stated, “As the population of India ages, stroke will become the greatest killer, thus it is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and admit the patient to the right hospital which has CT, MRA and angio suite along with radiologist, neurologist, interventionist to perform mechanical Thrombectomy and start prompt treatment which potentially can reduce stroke damage significantly.”
Karapurkar added that stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India due to low awareness level among the public and non-availability of comprehensive stroke units at an accessible distance.
“As advanced as technology is, prevention and timely intervention is the only effective cure,” he advised.
The impact of brain stroke can be completely mitigated if the right treatment is afforded at the right time. According to the Health Site, a proper stroke unit is comprised of a round-the-clock stroke neurologist, stroke interventionist, stroke nurses, and a neurosurgeon.
The window or treatment is very limited; after eight hours, the patient’s outlook for recovery takes a nosedive for the worse, with neurological damage becoming a very real possibility.