Treatment can be very effective if given quickly and every minute counts
Dr Bhuvaneshwari Rajendran
Chennai: It sets in suddenly, almost catching the patient unawares. Invariably the closest kin would be in a quandary as to how to cope up with the situation. Stroke — a medical emergency occurring when blood flow to the brain stops — affects mostly people above 60 though it can affect the younger people too. Stroke, nevertheless, is a treatable catastrophe provided medicare is provided immediately upon identification of symptoms, say experts.
Treatment can be very effective if given quickly and every minute counts. Treatment for stroke should begin within three to four hours upon onset, to be more effective, says Dr Bhuvaneshwari Rajendran, consultant, clinical neurophysiology and neuro sciences, Kauvery Hospital, here.
“Identifying stroke is very crucial in ensuring prompt medicare. There are four identifying factors in stroke, abbreviated as Fast. ‘F’ stands for Face, where it is found to be drooping. ‘A’ stands for Arms (or legs), where there is weakness or numbness. ‘S’ stands for Speech, where difficulty in speech is experienced while ‘T’ stands for Time, which indicates that medical attention must be sought immediately,” says N. Sridhar, senior ICU Consultant at the hospital.
FAST is an awareness programme initiated by the British government. There is an imperative need to take up this campaign to create awareness among the people, he says.
Besides doctor Bhuvaneshwari and Sridhar, nearly 13 doctors including neurosurgeons, neurologists, radiologists, diabetalogist and ICU experts have teamed up at Kauvery hospital to provide a dedicated and comprehensive support to treat stroke patients. The special unit, which is headed by Dr Prithika Chary, the first and only woman in India to be qualified and practicing as both Neurophysician and Neurosurgeon, was launched on Saturday.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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