Cases of stroke rapidly increasing due to diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure: Dr Anurag Lamba

CHANDIGARH, October 28, 2022: In India, the cases of Stroke (Paralysis) are rapidly increasing due to rise in diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure. The chances of a stroke increase significantly by growing age while the disease is the leading cause of brain-related deaths and permanent disability in India. Not getting it treated on the right time can be the difference between a life of recovery, versus a life facing disability which impacts quality of life for the stroke survivor and often their family”, said neurologist Dr Anurag Lamba.

To observe the ‘World Stroke Day’ with this year’s theme ‘Minutes save lives’ and to spread awareness, Dr Anurag Lamba Associate Director Neurology and Dr. Anil Dhingra, Dr. VK Batish, Director Neurosurgery, Dr. Akhil Monga Associate consultant neurointervention and Dr. Abeer Goel and Dr. Aman Batish associate consultant neuro surgery from Paras Hospital Panchkula, addressed the media person. 

Dr Lamba said, “An estimated over 2000 people die of stroke every day in India and even more of the people are left disabled. This is because less than 1% of stroke patients in India get treatment within the golden window and only 22% people are aware of the golden window of four- and-a-half hours after an attack”.

“People must not ignore the symptoms of stroke, which includes the sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble in speaking and understanding conversation, sudden unconsciousness, acute diminution in dizziness/imbalance", Dr Lamba further added.

The neurologist also said that stroke is preventable in over 80% of cases and annual screening for high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol in people above 30 is important. “To reduce the risk of stroke, people must control their blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol; quit smoking; maintain a healthy weight; eat a healthy diet low in sodium with 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables per day; and increase physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week”.

Dr lamba said, “Brain stroke can be treated properly if the patient is brought to a hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. The PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) is a clot buster injection to be administered in < 4.5 hours of ischemic stroke onset”.

A minimally invasive procedure called thrombectomy is also done these days using a catheter to reopen blocked arteries in the brain. This procedure reduces recovery time, getting patients back on their feet to full recovery so they may live independently and work again.

On this occasion, Dr. Jatinder Arora, Facility Director of PARAS Hospitals Panchkula said that Paras Hospital Panchkula is now Empaneled with all major corporates and all type on Non-Invasive & Surgical treatment for brain stroke problem is offered under one roof at Paras. 

What is a stroke?

A stroke is caused due to a blockage or bleeding of blood vessels, interrupting or decreasing the blood supply to the brain. When this occurs, the brain does not get adequate oxygen. This may result in brain damage, long term disability or even death. Ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke are two types of strokes.