Brain Stroke

Ischemic Stroke   Cause: Blocked arteries   Effect: Disruption of Blood flow to the brain   Note: This is the most common type of stroke.

Hemorrhagic Stroke    Cause: Ruptured blood vessel   Effect: Bleeding in the brain and increased pressure on brain tissue.   Note: Very common in people aged 55 years or older

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)   Cause: Temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain   Effect: Doesn't cause permanent damage but serves as a warning sign for future strokes.   Note: Often referred to as a Mini-stroke.

Recognizing the symptoms of an early stroke can be life-saving. 
Remember BE-FAST to recognize stroke .Common symptoms include:

• B:  Balance - Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of mobility in arm, or leg.
• E-Eyes- Vision problems or blurry vision in one or both eyes
• F: Face drooping- Gradual paralysis in the form of a drooping face on one side 
• A: Arm Weakness- Numbness or weakness all of a sudden on one side of the body
• S: Speech- Slurring, Confusion or trouble understanding speech
• T: Time – Time to call the emergency helpline

Other symptoms could be

• Sudden feeling of nausea or vomiting
• Severe headache with no known cause

• When to act: If you start noticing sudden weakness in your body, having difficulty while speaking, or experiencing a loss of coordination. 
• Where to go: Immediately go to a Stroke Ready Hospital, one which is equipped with specialised Stroke Care and Emergency Response.
• Golden hour protocol: Be Fast! The first 90 minutes of the onset of a stroke are vital. Immediate medical intervention gives patients a fighting chance at survival and better quality of life. 

Timely intervention in cases of stroke can be life-saving. CMRI Kolkata's streamlined processes and highly trained emergency response team make early intervention a reality.

Several risk factors contribute to brain stroke:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is the primary cause.
• High Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis (Plaque build-up obstructs blood flow).
• High blood sugar levels and its impact on blood vessels and blood clotting.
• Irregular Heart Rate ( Atrial Fibrillation )
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and high alcohol intake
• Family History (Genetic factor) and Age (55 or above)

Through our fast-track assessment and treatment protocols, we help minimize brain damage, maximize recovery, and give patients the best possible chance of regaining their quality of life.

Diagnosis generally involves:

• A quick initial assessment to check for any physical signs of stroke and a blood test to check for clotting disorders
• Imaging tests (CT and MRI Scans) to identify the nature of the stroke and identify the vessel involved.
• Cerebral Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) may be performed to visualize the blocked blood vessels in the brain and treat accordingly

CK Birla Hospitals CMRI Kolkata offers comprehensive stroke care, from emergency treatment to rehabilitation:
Our comprehensive stroke and neurology treatment services include the latest advancements in neurological care. Key procedures offered at CMRI Kolkata include:

• Acute stroke management to restore blood flow and minimize damage. 
• Intravenous and Intra-arterial thrombolysis to dissolve clots in ischemic strokes.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy to open up large blood vessel blocks
• Minimally invasive carotid stenting to open blocked carotid arteries.
• Minimally invasive coiling of intracranial aneurysms to prevent re-ruptures in cases of sub arachnoid haemorrhage  
• Embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to prevent catastrophic brain haemorrhage

At CMRI Kolkata, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological complications, including:

• Severe, often life-threatening complications leading to permanent  brain damage.
• Prevention of Brain Edema
• Hemicraniectomy in cases of malignant Brain Edema
• Prevention of severe infections
• Prevention of aspiration Pneumonia
• Prevention of pressure source
• Proper management of Diabetes
• Progressive disability and movement disorders.

Each of these conditions requires a specialized approach to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring patients have access to advanced medical care and personalized support. Our stroke and neurology services span the spectrum from early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment options, focusing on personalized, timely intervention to manage complex neurological conditions effectively.

At CMRI Kolkata, our stroke center is recognized as a center of excellence, with a unique QAI accreditation that highlights our commitment to high-quality, timely, and effective care. We are equipped to treat late stroke arrivals till 24 hours. 

Key Highlights:

• First QAI-accredited stroke center in Eastern India
• First Center in East India to be a part of Global Stent register trial
• We specialise in the treatment of large core infarcts
• Rapid response and streamlined processes
• Advanced state-of-the-art technology
• Expertise of seasoned professionals in stroke care and neurology.
• Multidisciplinary care approach
• Patient-Centric approach from acute care to rehabilitation.

Our commitment to excellence and patient safety ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care for stroke management and other neurological conditions. If you or a loved one is at risk or showing signs of a stroke, don't wait—our team at CMRI Kolkata is here to help.

Stroke is an emergency. If you find a person showing symptoms of stroke

• He/She should be made to lie down
• Nothing should be given to the patient orally
• Don’t try to reduce the Blood pressure without medical advise
• Act FAST - Call Medical Emergency