Bengaluru: India is witnessing a concerning increase in the occurrence of strokes, with the risk notably high for younger and middle-aged people. About 1,85,000 stroke cases are reported annually making it the second most common cause of death in the country. There is one stroke every 40 seconds and one stroke-related death every 4 minutes. This implies the pressing need for awareness efforts on Stroke to become a stroke-ready society.
Keeping this in mind, Manipal Hospitals on the occasion of World Stroke Day, 2023 organized an awareness event to spread the word on the importance of identifying stroke signs even before it strikes so timely access to emergency medical care becomes possible.
Two-panel discussions took place where eminent neurologists and neurosurgeons of Manipal Hospitals elaborated on stroke signs and the preparedness required during such unforeseen events. Neighbours within a 5-kilometer radius of all Manipal Hospitals in Bangalore were invited as part of the outreach program to attend the awareness event to better understand the urgency in case of a stroke and take prompt action.
A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack” can lead to devastating consequences like loss of life, paralysis, and lifelong dependency. Thus, recognizing its early signs is crucial for both patients and caregivers. Stroke emergencies can occur at any time, and the first hour, also called the Golden Hour, is critical in determining the prognosis and taking swift action. This calls for the need for a Stroke Ready facility like Manipal Hospitals to be available in the locality that can strictly adhere to stroke care protocols with equipped Emergency Response and diagnostic teams available 24/7. Treatment received during this period can result in near-complete recovery and allow patients a healthy life.
Gracing the event, Dr. Murali Srinivasan, Chief of Medical Services, Manipal Hospitals said, “Stroke poses a huge threat and the impact it has on millions of people in India. Awareness of stroke identification in its early onset is the need of the hour to reduce the risk of death or serious disability. We understand the urgency it possesses on a healthcare facility and we can assure you that Manipal Hospitals, with 30+ years of expertise, stands as a stroke-ready hospital to handle such emergencies and bring hope to those in need.”
The team of experts at Manipal Hospitals is always ready. In 80% of cases, patients can get their CT scans done within 20 minutes and treatment is initiated within 60 minutes. The recently launched location-based SOS QR codes along with Manipal Ambulance Rescue Services (MARS) allow the hospitals to reach stroke victims within 25 minutes, ensuring timely transportation of patients.
Dr. Pramod Krishnan, HOD & Consultant – Neurology, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, mentioned “Manipal Hospitals being a stroke-ready hospital has been and continues to manage strokes through timely medical intervention within the Golden Hour. We believe that through awareness sessions such as this, we can bring down the rate of death and permanent disability with our expertise and by following all the standard protocols and guidelines set for stroke care.”