A new ray of hope for stroke patientsNew ray of hope for stroke patients

For its ability to reduce the incidence of disability, a procedure called endovascular therapy (ET) could be the best option for many stroke sufferers, says a study co-authored by an Indian-origin doctor. ‘Endovascular treatment using stent retrievers will become the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke,’ said Mayank Goyal from University of Calgary in Canada. The clinical trial randomised 196 patients to receive either t-PA, a clot busting drug, or tPA plus ET.

ET is performed by inserting a thin tube into the artery in the groin, through the body and into the brain vessels to the clot. This is done under image-guided care using an X-ray. The clot is then removed by a retrievable stent and pulled out, restoring blood flow to the brain. Overall, positive outcomes for patients increased from 35 percent to 60 percent, the researchers noted.

What is Stroke?

Also known as a cerebrovascular accident, stroke is a medical emergency that arises when arteries that supply blood to the brain get affected. As a result a part of the brain doesn’t receive sufficient blood supply. Without blood and nutrient supply, the brain cells get affected and can die within a few minutes. Stroke often results in long-term dysfunction of the body part controlled by the affected brain area. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke. Read more about Stroke

What are symptoms of Stroke?

The signs and symptoms of stroke include numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. There is sudden confusion, severe headache with no known cause and trouble in speaking, understanding, seeing, walking, dizziness or loss of balance. Stroke is diagnosed by a clinical (neurological) examination and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans which determine the type and cause of stroke.

How to prevent Stroke?

Here are few tips that will lower your stroke risk:

Lower blood pressure:

hypertension is a big risk factor in both men and women, that if uncontrolled doubles your chance of getting stroke. Lowering your blood pressure levels and maintaining them makes a big difference to those suffering from hypertension. 

Exercise regularly:

Regular exercising is found to make your circulatory system and heart more efficient. It also lowers the blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels in the body thereby preventing stroke. Moderate aerobic activity such as cycling or brisk walking for at least 150 minutes every week is recommended to lower your risk of stroke.