Medharbour: Dedicated Stroke Unit in Gurgaon
At Medharbour, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar is a trusted consultant in Gurugram and Delhi NCR, specializing in stroke care including acute and chronic conditions, post-stroke rehabilitation, and management of symptoms like slurred speech and dizziness. He also provides expert treatment for various types of headaches, including migraine, both in general cases and during pregnancy, ensuring effective care and support for patients in the Gurugram.
About Stroke
Stroke affects 1 in 6 individuals at some point in their lives. It is crucial to act quickly when a stroke occurs, as every moment is vital. The longer the brain is deprived of blood flow, the more severe the damage. Prompt medical intervention can save lives and significantly improve the chances of a successful recovery.
Without timely treatment, 80% of stroke survivors will have disabilities after three months. However, if treated promptly, 67% of individuals can achieve functional independence.
Early Treatment Can Save Your Brain
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,” happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is abruptly interrupted. This causes brain cells in the affected area to start dying due to a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients.
Causes of Stroke
There are two primary types of stroke:
Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, occurring when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel in the brain.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Reduce Your Risk of Stroke. 80% of Strokes Are Preventable
Control Your Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can double or even quadruple your risk of stroke. Aim to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg, or below 125/75 mmHg if you have diabetes.
Manage Diabetes and High Cholesterol: High blood sugar and cholesterol levels can damage blood vessels over time. Keep your HbA1c below 6.5 and your LDL cholesterol under 100 to reduce your risk.
Quit Smoking: Smoking increases clot formation and thickens your blood, leading to plaque buildup in your arteries. Consider nicotine replacement therapy to help you quit.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps with weight loss and lowers blood pressure. Aim for moderate exercise at least five days a week.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity raises your risk of stroke. Strive for a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or less.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Incorporate nuts, olive and flaxseed oils, millets, fruits, and vegetables (at least five portions a day) into your diet.
Limit Screen Time: Keep your screen time to 1.5 hours a day or less to lower your stroke risk.
Recognize a Stroke? Be F.A.S.T.
Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Look for one-sided facial drooping, a common sign of a stroke.
Arm Weakness: Have the person raise both arms. If they struggle to lift one arm, it could indicate arm weakness from a stroke.
Speech Difficulty: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Listen for slurred or confused speech.
Time to Call: If you observe any of these signs, seek emergency help immediately.
Other Symptoms to Watch For:
– Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg
– Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding
– Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
– Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance
Why Do We Say ‘Time is Brain’?
When the brain’s blood supply is interrupted, approximately 1.9 million neurons die every minute. Without treatment, the brain loses as many neurons in an hour as it does in almost 3.6 years of normal aging. Therefore, early treatment within the first few hours can reverse stroke symptoms for many patients. The critical period for effective stroke treatment is the first six hours after symptoms begin.
How to Treat Stroke
Time Window: The “time window” refers to the crucial six-hour period during which treatment to unblock the artery can be provided.
How Much Brain Tissue Can Be Saved?: Advanced imaging techniques such as CT Angiography, perfusion imaging, and MRI are used to locate the blockage and determine the amount of brain tissue that can be salvaged.
Thrombolysis: For eligible patients who arrive within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, a clot-busting drug can be administered through an intravenous drip over an hour. This treatment helps open the blockage, and about 1 in 3 patients treated this way will regain functional independence over time.
Thrombectomy: Mechanical thrombectomy is highly recommended for patients with large artery blockages in the brain. This procedure should be performed within six hours of stroke onset. It successfully restores blood flow in about 80% of patients, and 2 out of 3 patients achieve functional independence with time.
Why Choose a Comprehensive Stroke Care Unit?
Medharbour Stroke Care Unit specializes in treating stroke patients with dedicated staff and round-the-clock access to:
– Advanced imaging techniques (MRI/MRA, CTA, Perfusion, DSA)
– Specialists in Stroke Neurology, Interventional Neuroradiology, and Neurosurgery
– Neuro-intensive care unit