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Stroke Care


A stroke occurs when a section of the brain has disrupted blood flow, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. If untreated, prolonged blood deprivation can lead to permanent cell death. Timely medical intervention is crucial, as a stroke can impair motor and speech abilities and cognitive function and threaten vital bodily functions.

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Why Manipal Hospitals?

Manipal Hospital as Stroke-Ready Hospital

Manipal Hospital India is a stroke-ready facility that ensures prompt, expert care for stroke patients. Here’s why:

  • Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary team of specialists

  • Provides a comprehensive approach to stroke management

  • Rapid intervention is prioritised from the moment symptoms are detected

  • Advanced diagnostic tools, including CT scans, MRIs, and Doppler studies

  • Stroke care includes thrombolytic therapies, mechanical thrombectomy, and surgical interventions

  • Offers personalised rehabilitation plans covering physical, speech, and cognitive therapies

  • Provides a holistic recovery path for stroke patients

  • Stroke-ready infrastructure combined with expert leadership

  • Ensures optimal care at every stage of stroke treatment and recovery

Types of Stroke
Strokes are classified into three main types, each corresponding to its underlying cause. 

1. Ischemic Stroke (Most Common Type)

An ischemic stroke develops due to any obstruction usually due to a clot in the blood vessels preventing blood from reaching brain. The majority of strokes (approx. 85%) occur because of such obstruction, which frequently stems from high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart-related diseases.

  • Causes:

    • Atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup)

    • Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat leading to clot formation)

    • Blood clot migration from another part of the body (embolism)

  • Symptoms:

    • Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body

    • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

    • Vision disturbances in one or both eyes

    • Loss of coordination and balance

  • Treatment:

    • Intravenous Thrombolysis (tPA): A clot-dissolving medication that restores blood flow if administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset

    • Mechanical Thrombectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove large clots from major brain arteries.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke (Less Common, More Severe)

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when weakened blood vessels in the brain rupture, causing bleeding within the brain tissue and surrounding areas. This condition is often triggered by aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), or uncontrolled hypertension.

  • Causes:

    • Chronic high blood pressure weakening blood vessel walls

    • A ruptured brain aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge in an artery)

    • Overuse of blood thinners leads to excessive bleeding

  • Symptoms:

    • Sudden, severe headache (often described as the worst headache of one’s life)

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • Loss of consciousness

    • Seizures

  • Treatment:

    • Blood Pressure Management: Rapid control of blood pressure to prevent further bleeding.

    • Surgical Intervention: Procedures such as craniotomy to remove a hematoma (blood clot) or endovascular coiling to repair an aneurysm.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – The “Mini-Stroke”

TIA often results from a brief or transient blood flow interruption to the brain results. The symptoms mimic those of a stroke yet vanish within a few hours, leaving no lasting damage. Early identification of this condition signifies that a person is at high risk of developing a full stroke in the future.

  • Causes:

    • Small, temporary clots that dissolve on their own

    • Narrowing of brain arteries due to plaque buildup

    • Cardiac conditions that momentarily disrupt circulation

  • Symptoms (Similar to Ischemic Stroke, But Temporary):

    • Brief episodes of numbness or weakness

    • Sudden confusion or trouble speaking

    • Temporary vision loss

    • Dizziness and imbalance

  • Why It’s Important:

    • 1 in 3 individuals who experience a TIA will suffer a major stroke within a year if left untreated.

    • Early medical evaluation can help prevent a major stroke by initiating therapies such as blood thinners, lifestyle changes, and procedures like carotid artery stenting.


Warning Signs of Stroke and the Importance of Timely Intervention

Medical intervention becomes necessary when someone experiences a stroke because this situation demands quick action. The speed at which the treatment is initiated directly correlates with a patient's chance of recovery and reduced long-term disabilities. 
Common warning signs include:

  • The body experiences sudden weakness, with numbness on one side which affects the face or the arm or the leg.

  • The inability to communicate clearly is shown by mumbling and unclear speech.

  • Vision problems can include blurred or double vision or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.

  • The inability to maintain coordination results in impaired walking abilities.

  • Hemorrhagic stroke often causes severe headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The Golden Hour: Why Every Minute Counts

The first sixty minutes following symptoms of stroke are the most essential moment for treatment, commonly known as the "Golden Hour." When appropriate treatment is initiated within the first hour of symptoms superior recovery results are achieved with minimised chances of fatal consequences.

  • For Ischemic Stroke: Common treatment for Ischemic Stroke involves tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) only within 4.5 hours; its most effective time remains the first hour.

  • For Hemorrhagic Stroke: Early interventions such as bleeding control and brain swelling reduction in patients with hemorrhagic stroke prevent deadly medical complications.

BE FAST: A Simple Way to Identify Stroke

The BE FAST method helps quickly recognise stroke symptoms and take action:

  • B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of balance and coordination.

  • E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision, sudden loss of vision.

  • F – Face: Drooping or uneven smile on one side.

  • A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, difficulty lifting it.

  • S – Speech: Slurred or garbled speech, trouble speaking or understanding.

  • T – Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these signs appear.

Why BE FAST Matters:

  • Recognising these signs early and seeking emergency care immediately can prevent severe disability.

  • Do not wait for symptoms to improve on their own—every second without blood flow leads to the death of nearly 2 million brain cells.

  • By recognising the warning signs and understanding the urgency, you can play a crucial role in saving a life—whether it’s your own or someone else’s.

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