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Stroke is the clinical state characterized by the appearance of focal or generalized disturbances in a cerebral function that lasts for more than 24 hours or results in death with no other obvious cause than a vascular origin. It is mainly categorized as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and subarachnoid hemorrhage stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts, causing blood to flood into the cerebral cavity. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood vessel obstruction that reduces the blood supply to the brain.
Causes of Stroke
Stroke is known as the second major cause of increased mortality and the third leading cause of disability across the globe. Around 68% of all strokes affecting individuals are ischemic, while 32% of the strokes are hemorrhagic. A related illness known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) may occur in which the brain's blood flow is momentarily disrupted. As a result, a mini-stroke occurs. It could last for a short while or linger for up to 24 hours. TIAs should be treated immediately since they frequently indicate that you could soon experience a complete stroke. Consult with our Neurologist in Kolkata to know more about the causes and treatment.
Some of the conditions that increase the risk of stroke include:
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High blood pressure (Hypertension)
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High cholesterol
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Irregular heartbeats (Atrial fibrillation)
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Diabetes
Management of Stroke
There are two therapeutic options available for the treatment of stroke involving mechanical thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis. As soon as the clinical diagnosis of stroke is completed, the following steps need to be taken to proceed with the treatment approach:
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Ensuring the good health status of the patient.
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Checking for the cause of reversible neurological symptoms.
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Determining the nature of the stroke, whether it is an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic
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Integrating to appropriate treatment of stroke.
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Determining the exact cause of the stroke.
Various guidelines are prepared for the medical professionals who are responsible for stroke management among patients. It aims to help patients at primary and secondary levels of the healthcare delivery system make the best decisions for every patient. The guidelines help in the effective management of stroke among adults belonging to the age group of 18 and above, ranging from the onset to chronic care, and focus on patients with new clinical events such as first stroke or recurrent stroke.
Care is provided at different levels of the healthcare system. Primary healthcare centers are limited to assessing the major risk, early diagnosis of the symptoms, stabilizing the patient's condition, and a quick referral to the higher centers where appropriate facilities for management are available.
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Primary health care
It aims at primary prevention, early recognition and referral, and rehabilitation.
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Secondary health care
It aims at acute stroke management, secondary prevention and follow-up, and rehabilitation.
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Tertiary health care
It aims at resolving complex and higher-level management of acute cases; follow-up of strokes for enablement and support services, and rehabilitation of residual impairment.
Patient Care Services
For the treatment of stroke patients, the following services are available:
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Acute stroke team
It includes a team of physicians, health care professionals at the minimal level, and a physiotherapist for rehabilitation. The team members should have experience and expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients and should be available 24 × 7 for the patients.
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Written care protocols
Protocols for emergency care, diagnostic tests, stabilization of vital functions, and use of medication should be made available.
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Emergency department
The availability of an emergency department for diagnosis and treatment for all types of stroke should be monitored.
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Stroke unit
It consists of a hospital unit with trained staff along with appropriate monitoring of neurological parameters for the patients.
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Neurological services
It comprises comprehensive stroke care facilities, such as the availability of neurosurgeons to evaluate and operate in cases requiring consultation and neurosurgery. Visit Manipal Hospitals for Stroke management treatment in Kolkata.
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Support services
It comprises facilities of neuroimaging, laboratory services for performing diagnostic tests, commitment and support of the organization for the stroke care facility, and integration of educational and annual programs for the prevention, recognition, and management of stroke.
Consultant - Neurology
Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake, Kolkata
