Consequently, he had high BP, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia (high levels of cholesterol, specifically LDL or 'bad' cholesterol). He was also not regular in taking his medications.
One day he experienced sudden weakness on the left side of his body, slurred speech, and fell down. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where a CT scan suggested a stroke, following which he was referred for advanced treatment and care.
Devinder had been experiencing fatigue or dizziness for days preceding this incident but he dismissed these, as do many such patients, which often results in a serious episode sooner or later.
Often called a 'silent killer', a stroke usually begins quietly - a slight slurring of speech, sudden weakness in the arm, or a brief moment of confusion. Because these early warning signs can appear mild, many people dismiss them as fatigue or dizziness. Unfortunately, even a short delay in treatment can have life-altering consequences for stroke patients.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either due to a blockage in an artery or bleeding within the brain. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die rapidly, which is why a stroke is considered one of the most time-sensitive medical emergencies.
India records nearly 1.8 million new stroke cases every year, and doctors are increasingly seeing patients getting a stroke at much younger age than before. In Punjab, the concern is particularly significant because several major stroke risk factors are widely prevalent.
Not just in Punjab, but in rest of India too, the incidence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol is rising rapidly. People affected with these medical problems have a high risk of their blood vessels being damaged over time, increasing their likelihood of having a stroke.
Diets high in salt and saturated fats, along with tobacco use and alcohol consumption, further increase the risk. A sedentary lifestyle and rising stress levels have also contributed to the rise in many lifestyle diseases. Consequently, doctors are now seeing strokes among younger people in their 30s and 40s.
It highlights an urgent need for lifestyle modification, regular health check-ups, and adherence to prescribed treatment, especially among the young, who may otherwise underestimate their stroke risk. However, the encouraging news is that the treatment for stroke has advanced significantly. Clot-dissolving medications can restore blood flow if administered early. Many modern procedures like mechanical thrombectomy, recommended by the American Stroke Association, allow doctors to remove the clot from the blocked brain artery, without opening the brain. But this is a time-sensitive procedure, meant only for eligible patients, and can be performed up to 24 hours after the stroke.
This makes awareness crucial - recognising symptoms early and getting the right treatment can dramatically change a patient's chances of recovery.
Advancements in neurosurgical technology have further strengthened stroke management. Various sophisticated, image-guided technologies allow neurosurgeons to precisely locate and target affected areas of the brain in real time. In complex stroke cases, especially those involving bleeding or requiring surgical intervention, these can enhance accuracy, minimise damage to surrounding healthy brain tissue, and improve overall surgical outcomes.
Post-stroke rehabilitation is equally important, as it plays a crucial role in helping patients regain independence and quality of life. Recovery often requires a structured, multi-disciplinary approach involving physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. Early rehabilitation, sometimes initiated within 24-48 hours after stabilisation, can significantly improve mobility, speech, and cognitive functions.
Family support and consistent follow-up are vital, as recovery timelines vary for each patient. With the right rehabilitation plan and medical guidance, many stroke survivors can achieve total recovery and return to their routine lives.(A COMPLETE BALDFACED LIE! (Only 10% fully recover!)
The writer is Director, Neuro & Spine Surgery, Livasa Hospital, Mohali
SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE
F Face drooping: One side of the face appears uneven or numb
A Arm weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm
S Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or difficulty in speaking
T Time to seek help: Seek emergency medical care immediately
Other warning signs may include sudden severe headache, dizziness, vision problems, confusion, or difficulty in walking.
MAJOR RISK FACTORSHigh blood pressure
DiabetesHigh cholesterol
Smoking or tobacco use
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Heart disease or family history of stroke
QUICK FACTS ABOUT STROKE- Stroke can occur at any age, although risk increases with age.
- Women are slightly more likely to suffer a stroke than men.
- Most patients, who suffer a stroke, have at least one major risk factor such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or smoking.
FACTCHECK
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in India, with an estimated incidence of 105-152/100,000 people per year. The crude incidence rate is estimated at 138.1 per 100,000 population, with significant regional variations. The total number of stroke cases in India has risen by 130.4% from 1990 to 2019. Studies indicate a rising burden, with over 1.25 million new cases in 2021, a 51% increase over three decades, and a high prevalence of ischemic stroke (70-80%). Key factors include hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, often exacerbated by delayed care and low awareness.
