“Stroke in young population, people who are in their thirties and forties, is on the rise due mainly to the following 5S risk factors: constant Stress, Sleep deprivation - often owing to increased Screen time, Sedentary lifestyle, and food high in Saturated fats, stated health experts of Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital. They added that through suitable lifestyle modifications about 80% of strokes can be prevented.
At the 16th World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi, our Meenakshi Hospital’s Stroke Team was awarded the prestigious WSO Angels Diamond Award for their outstanding dedication to stroke care and rapid response.
In a press statement, issued in in connection with World Stroke Day, which falls on October 29, Dr. Narendiran,Consultant, Department of Neurology said: “A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off, stopping oxygen from reaching brain cells. Without oxygen, these cells quickly start to die, leading to damage in brain functions. The conditions are life threatening and lead to prolonged disability. Stroke is more common in men and in people above the age of 60. The other important risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking and alcohol intake. The main symptoms of stroke are well captured by the B.E.F.A.S.T acronym that stands for: Balance loss, Eye changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, and Speech difficulty - getting quick medical help - Time to act fast, is essential, as it can reduce the effects and help recovery.”
Dr. Mukuntharajan, Senior Consultant, Head, Department of Interventional Radiology said advances in interventional neuroradiology (INR), a cutting-edge branch of medicine focused on minimally invasive procedures, has come as a boon for stroke patients, as INR makes diagnose and treatment of complex conditions affecting the brain and the spine faster and effective. Instead of traditional surgery, which involves making large incisions, interventional neuroradiology typically uses small punctures and advanced imaging to guide the treatment tools. This minimally invasive approach reduces trauma to the body, leading to quicker recoveries and fewer risks.
He emphasised that interventional neuroradiology procedures are highly effective, though it takes a longer time for the patients to see results. “For example, the success rate of mechanical thrombectomy—a procedure that removes blood clots from blocked brain arteries—is at least twice that of a cardiology procedure like angioplasty. It’s also more cost-effective over time. However, it typically takes at least 90 days for patients to achieve the desired outcomes. People should consider the long-term benefits rather than avoiding the upfront costs, as undertreatment increases the risk of permanent disabilities.”
Commenting on preventive measures, Dr. Gowtham Kuncha, Consultant Neurosurgeonsaid that all key modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and sedentary lifestyle, can be managed through healthy lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Regular exercise not only helps in maintaining a healthy weight but also improves cardiovascular health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions, leading to a longer and healthier life. Implementing these changes can create a positive impact on overall well-being and prevent future complications.
The interventional neuroradiology team of Meenakshi Super Speciality Hospital comprises highly skilled neurosurgeons and radiologists with advanced training. It is the only hospital in south Tamil Nadu to have a “biplane angio suite” - a facility that allows specialists to visualise complex vascular and neurovascular conditions more accurately, making procedures safer, faster, and more precise. Some of the conditions treated on the support of biplane angio suite are: stroke and conditions that increase the risk of stroke, such as aneurysms - abnormal bulging in the wall of a blood vessel often found in the brain, and carotid artery disease, when the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain, become narrowed or blocked.