IS IT A STROKE? THINK FASTER!
If you suspect a stroke, think FASTER – that’s Face, Arm, Speech, Time & ER.
Face: ask the patient to smile – is one side of the face drooping?
Arm: ask the patient to lift both arms – is one hand drifting downwards/ can’t raise an arm?
Speech: ask the patient to speak or say something simple – is the speech slurring?
Time: if you observe any of these signs, call ER at 155218
In case of a stroke, the patient will present one or more of following symptoms
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion/ trouble in speaking and understanding
- Inability to walk, sudden loss of balance and body coordination
- Sudden spells of dizziness
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Blurred vision
What should you do?
If you suspect a stroke in a family member or friend, rush the patient to the nearest hospital that’s equipped to handle such an emergency. Remember, stroke is a life-threatening brain attack. Waiting for symptoms to subside or delay medical care can prove fatal.
Advantage ASTER
FASTER: 30-Minute Stroke Care
FASTER at Aster Medcity is a 24-hour, on-call hyper acute stroke unit that offers expert in-hospital diagnosis and treatment decision making of acute stroke within 30 minutes of arrival at the Emergency Room (ER). The FASTER Stroke Care Team will ensure that the patient is assessed, undergoes a head scan, scan interpretation and treatment decision of clot dissolving medicines or /and Mechanical Thrombectomy (direct clot extraction from the brain artery using stents etc. done in advanced Cath Lab) are made. Timely stroke evaluation – especially in the “golden hour” or first one hour of the attack followed immediately by appropriate treatment –will help minimise brain damage and improve clinical outcomes significantly.
FASTER also offers specialised care for TIA or Transient Ischemic Stroke – a condition wherein the patient presents stroke-like symptoms, but gets better by the time he or she gets to the hospital.
One of the only units of its kind in the region, FASTER is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic/ therapeutic technology and clinical support including:
In case of a stroke, the patient will present one or more of following symptoms
- Philips 256 Slice iCT Scanner
- 3.0 Tesla Wide Bore MRI
- Flat-panel Bi-Plane Vascular Hybrid Cath Lab
- CLARITY Cath Lab
- Dedicated ICCA (IntelliSpace Critical Care & Anaesthesia) Neuro ICUs
- OR1 Karl Storz Fusion Integrated Neurosurgery Suites
FASTER Care
- If a family member/ friend presents one or more symptoms of stroke, call us immediately on our 24-hour emergency helpline 155218 (direct dial). Do not wait for patient to get better or symptoms to go away – it can prove fatal.
- We will tell you as to what precautions you need to take while shifting the patient to the hospital.
- Informing us beforehand will enable our stroke team to get ready to handle the emergency..
- We will ready our Radiology suite and Cath Lab for fast-track diagnosis and treatment by the time the patient arrives at the ER or Emergency Room/ Casualty.
- Our team of doctors will be all set to handle the emergency and ensure that the patient undergoes a head scan, diagnosed and treatment decisions made within 30 minutes of arrival at the ER.
- This will ensure that the patient gets the best possible care during the “Golden Hour” (first one hour post the stroke attack) for the best possible clinical outcomes.
- The patient will be provided comprehensive, evidence based acute stroke care especially treatment with clot dissolving drugs and advanced mechanical clot retrieval ( thrombectomy) in the Cathlab in clinically suitable cases.
- In certain cases, the patient may need to undergo a surgery – if it is a complex hemorrhagic stroke. The decision will be made after a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition by our Neuro Trauma team.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What is a brain stroke & its cause?
Ischaemic stroke: a brain attack due to blockage of blood supplying the artery Hemorrhagic stroke: brain stroke due to bursting of blood artery supplying to the brain In either case, part of the brain stops working, causing paralysis.
Which is the best treatment for brain stroke?
The standard brain or ischemic stroke procedure is administering life-saving medications through the arm's vein. This has to be done within the first 3 hours of the stroke when all the other vitals are within an acceptable range. The medication used for treating ischaemic stroke is TPA or recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. It is also known as Alteplase or Tenecteplase.
How to avoid brain stroke?
Make some lifestyle changes like:
- Proper nutritious diet
- Maintain healthy weight/BMI
- Daily Physical activity
- No smoking
- alcohol restrictions
- Regular checks for cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose
- Treat diagnosed heart diseases
- Take medications properly, if prescribed.
Ischemic stroke vs. Hemorrhagic stroke; Which is the most severe type of stroke?
Generally speaking, ischaemic stroke has better outcome rates than hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke has the potential to kill, especially within the acute and subacute stages. Neurotherapy and functional rehabilitation can help restore many body functions of patients with ischaemic brain stroke.
Does a brain stroke cause complete loss of memory?
No, brain strokes don't necessarily cause loss of memory. However, that can happen if the area of the brain responsible for memory is damaged due to the stroke.
What are the diagnosis tests for brain stroke?
The following tests may be useful in the diagnosis of brain stroke:
- Complete body examination
- Blood tests
- CT scan
- MRI
- Carotid USG
- Cerebral angiogram
- ECG (echocardiogram).
What are the initial symptoms of a brain stroke?
- Vision disturbances: blurry loss of vision in one eye, temporary loss of vision
- Muscles: Inability to walk, imbalance.
- Face: Drooping face on one side
- Headache
- confusion
- Rapid eye movement
- Unconsciousness
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Difficulty to walk
- Uncoordinated hand movements
Is there any cure for a brain stroke?
Yes, there is a stepwise line of treatment for brain stroke, which includes medications needed to dissolve any clots, preventive medication, blood thinners, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, ACE inhibitors, surgery, cardiac monitoring, and adjunct therapy like speech, rehab, and physiotherapy will also be needed it in cases of motor damage.
How does a brain stroke happen?
A brain stroke or brain attack can happen due to partial or complete loss of blood supply to a part of the brain. This can happen because of the following:
- Blockage in the artery supplying the brain
- Damage or bursting of the blood vessel supplying the brain.
Which is the best hospital for brain stroke in Kerala?
Aster Center of excellence in neurology is the best hospital for treating brain, spine, and nerve care in Kochi, Kerala. It offers high-tech and specialized medical facilities in neuro-oncology, neurology, spine surgery, neuroradiology, neuropsychology, and neurorehabilitation. In addition, Aster hospitable has an experienced faculty to handle cases of brain stroke.
What are the risk factors associated with a brain stroke?
Lifestyle problems:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Oral contraceptives
- History of strokes in the family
- High RBC
- High blood cholesterol & lipids
- No exercise
- Illegal drugs
- Alcohol
- obesity
- Heart abnormalities.
Miscellaneous risk factors:
- Old age
- Gender: men > women
- Temperature and season(extreme temperatures precipitate)
- Social factors like poverty.
Can stress cause a brain stroke?
Stress can cause a brain stroke due to an increase in blood pressure.
Sustained high blood pressure from stress can weaken or damage brain arteries, leading to ischaemic or hemorrhagic brain stroke.
Is hemorrhagic stroke a type of brain stroke?
Yes, hemorrhagic brain strokes are caused due to damage or bursting of a blood vessel that supplies a part of the brain. It can happen due to injury, trauma, or weakened blood vessels.
What is a stroke or brain attack?
A stroke or brain attack is a medical emergency that happens when there is damage to the brain due to an interruption of blood supply. It is also termed a cerebrovascular accident. A stroke or brain attack is a medical emergency that happens when there is damage to the brain due to an interruption of blood supply. It is also termed a cerebrovascular accident.
Can paralysis be cured after a brain stroke?
Yes, though complete paralysis may not be easy, partial paralysis can be improved by regaining back motion and movements in paralyzed body parts. However, intense therapy and rehab will be necessary to improve the patient's health and prognosis.
What is the life expectancy after a brain stroke?
A recent study shows 2/3rd of stroke patients who make it through the 30-day mark live more than three years. However, some studies have shown the life expectancy to reduce by 9.5 years after a stroke incidence due to increased chances of recurrence.
Is it possible to recover from a brain stroke?
Yes, it is possible to recover from a brain stroke to a certain extent and have an acceptable quality of life. Stroke patients see immense improvement within two weeks to 3 months if good treatment is provided within the acute phase. However, palliative care can be lifelong.
