Dr Jeyaraj Durai Pandian, Professor of Neurology and Stroke Specialist gave an invited talk in the recently concluded European Stroke Congress in Barcelona, Spain held last week. He spoke on “Stroke Prevention Strategies in Low and Middle Income Countries’. Dr Pandian has the distinction of being the first Indian Neurologist to deliver an invited speech at the European Stroke Congress. Dr Pandian also attended the Board of Director’s meeting of World Stroke Organization which was also held in Barcelona.
He stated that worldwide 5.5 million deaths occur due to stroke every year and 87% of the deaths happen in resource poor countries like India. The average age of stroke sufferers in India are 15 years younger than the stroke patients in developed countries. Hence stroke affects individuals in their prime years of their lives in developing countries. Stroke is preventable by controlling risk factors like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, blood cholesterol, overweight, by stopping smoking and following a healthy life style. A balanced diet by avoiding fast and junk foods and daily exercise would prevent stroke occurring for the first time.
Stroke patients present with sudden trouble speaking, sudden trouble in understanding, and sudden weakness in one side of body, sudden numbness in one side of the body, sudden imbalance, giddiness and unbearable headache. If anyone develops the above symptoms rush to CMC immediately. The CMC Comprehensive Stroke Program and the 24 hr Brain Attack Team will evaluate the patients quickly. You may be eligible to receive a clot bursting drug called rtPA which has to be given within 4 ½ hrs after onset of stroke symptoms.
You can call the CMC AMARS Ambulance immediately 98148 29301.
