Marengo CIMS Hospital commemorates World Stroke Day,

by advocating Timely intervention to reverse paralysis due to stroke

• Marengo CIMS Hospital is recognized across Pan India for the launch of the Strokologist Program to strengthen smaller healthcare units to deal with stroke patients immediately to avoid disabilities of any sort
• Stroke is moving to younger age groups due to factors excluding genetics

Ahmedabad, 29^th October 2024: Marengo CIMS Hospital commemorated World Stroke Day to advocate timely intervention in stroke patients to spread increased awareness on how immediate and quick intervention can save more and more lives from disabilities. The Department of Neurosciences is led by Dr. Mukesh Sharma, Senior Consultant  Neurosurgeon, at Marengo CIMS Hospital Ahmedabad.

Many stroke patients experience early signs that they do not take seriously. There are two main types of strokes. An ischemic stroke that creates a blood clot, or thrombus, blocks an artery. The other stroke is the Hemorrhagic stroke in which a blood vessel bleeds uncontrollably inside the brain. Stroke increasing among younger adults. Among those aged 18-44 years old there was a 14.6% increase in stroke prevalence; for adults in the 45-64 category, it increased by 15.7%. There is a notable increase in premature atherosclerosis, which involves the hardening and blockage of blood vessels, particularly among younger adults. This rise is largely attributed to an increase in vascular risk factors for stroke in this age group.

Explaining the criticality of strokes and how timely intervention prevents critical outcomes, Dr. Mukesh Sharma, Senior Consultant  Neurosurgeon, at Marengo CIMS Hospital Ahmedabad said “As neurologists, we are witnessing a concerning rise in stroke cases among younger adults—a trend that would have been almost unthinkable a few decades ago. Factors like sedentary lifestyles, high stress levels, smoking, and dietary choices are contributing to hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, conditions traditionally associated with older adults but now prevalent in those as young as their 30s and 40s. This shift underscores the need for proactive approaches, including regular health screenings, improved lifestyle choices, and greater awareness about stroke symptoms. Recognizing warning signs early and taking preventive action can significantly reduce the risk and impact of stroke in younger populations. A collective effort towards a healthier lifestyle could be pivotal in reversing this alarming trend.”

The latest approved technology to treat strokes is vagus nerve stimulation to enhance post-stroke recovery of motor skills. This is a new treatment that has given hope to many patients. It can lead to clinically significant increases in motor scores and upper extremity strength.

Dr Mukesh Sharma adds, “Marengo CIMS Hospital for the first time in Gujarat launched the Strokologist Program as a knowledge-sharing initiative with 45 clinical physicians to create an optimized level of stroke care in a network of doctors’ community. We aim to train 5000 doctors across Pan India to create increased awareness about stroke, avert fatalities due to stroke, and save many more lives. Doctors can connect with our department for training and certification in the Strokologist Program from anywhere in India. The program is strengthened at Ahmedabad with the support of the stroke ambulance dedicated to reaching a stroke patient within 15 minutes of a distress call. Stroke is increasingly impacting younger adults, challenging the common perception that it primarily affects older age groups. Many lives are lost prematurely due to delays in reaching patients to emergency care within the critical timeframe. This initiative aims to equip and train doctors to perform timely thrombolysis within the ‘golden hour,’ thereby enhancing their ability to accurately interpret scans and administer treatment swiftly. Through a hub-and-spoke model in collaboration with nursing homes across Ahmedabad, we are strengthening each primary stroke center with advanced technology for immediate intervention, aiming to prevent disability and save lives.”

Gaurav Rekhi, Regional Director West, Marengo CIMS Hospital says, “As we observe Stroke Day, it is vital to emphasize the importance of early detection and timely intervention in stroke care. Every minute counts in saving lives and reducing the impact of a stroke. At Marengo CIMS Hospital, we are committed to providing rapid, comprehensive care to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Our focus is on creating awareness about the warning signs and promoting a healthier lifestyle to prevent strokes and safeguard our community’s health.”

The burden of stroke is increasing in India; stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Previous research suggests that the incidence of stroke in India ranges between 105 and 152/100,000 people per year. Almost 800,000 people have a stroke each year, more than 140,000 die, and many survivors face disability. This is disturbing because about 80% of strokes are preventable. Stroke treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, but the effectiveness of the treatment depends heavily on how quickly the patient arrives at the hospital, which is a stroke-ready center.