Tag Archives: stroke

Stroke FAQs: Expert Insights and Answers

25 frequently asked questions about stroke, along with their answers:

1. What is a stroke?

A stroke, often called a “brain attack,” occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain damage.

2. What are the types of strokes?

There are two main types: ischemic stroke, which results from a blood clot, and hemorrhagic stroke, which results from bleeding in the brain.

3. What are the common signs of a stroke?

The common signs include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, difficulty seeing, and a severe headache.

4. What causes a stroke?

Blood clots often cause ischemic strokes, while hemorrhagic strokes result from a ruptured blood vessel. Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.

5. How is a stroke diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests (CT scan or MRI), and blood tests to determine the type of stroke.

6. What are the risk factors for stroke?

Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, diabetes, and family history of stroke.

7. Can strokes be prevented?

Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors, and taking medications as prescribed can reduce the risk of stroke.

8. What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

Also known as a “mini-stroke,” a TIA is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, often with similar symptoms but no lasting damage.

9. How is a stroke treated?

Treatment varies depending on the type of stroke but may include medication, surgery, or rehabilitation.

10. What is the prognosis for stroke survivors?

The prognosis depends on the severity of the stroke and the individual. Some people make a full recovery, while others may have lasting effects.

11. What is post-stroke rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation includes physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help stroke survivors regain function and independence.

12. Can stroke be hereditary?

Family history can increase the risk, but most strokes are related to lifestyle and other factors.

13. What are the long-term effects of a stroke?

Long-term effects may include weakness, paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive changes.

14. Can children have strokes?

Yes, children can have strokes, though they are less common. A pediatric stroke is a medical emergency.

15. How soon should a stroke be treated?

Treatment should be administered as soon as possible. The saying “time is brain” emphasizes the importance of swift action.

16. Can strokes be fatal?

Yes, strokes can be fatal. The outcome depends on the stroke’s type, severity, and treatment speed.

17. Can strokes cause memory problems?

Strokes can lead to memory and cognitive issues, often requiring rehabilitation and therapy.

18. Are there support groups for stroke survivors?

Many support groups offer emotional and practical support for stroke survivors and their families.

19. Can a stroke affect a person’s personality?

Yes, strokes can impact a person’s personality and behavior, leading to emotional and mood changes.

20. What is the connection between atrial fibrillation and stroke?

Atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for stroke as it can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain.

21. What is the difference between a stroke and a heart attack?

A stroke affects the brain due to a lack of blood flow, while a heart attack affects the heart due to a blocked blood vessel.

22. Can stress cause a stroke?

Prolonged stress may increase stroke risk by increasing blood pressure and other risk factors.

23. How is a stroke in women different from one in men?

Stroke symptoms can be similar, but women may experience atypical signs such as hiccups, nausea, and shortness of breath.

24. Can you drive after a stroke?

Driving eligibility depends on individual circumstances and local regulations. Stroke survivors may need to pass medical assessments.

25. Can strokes be prevented through diet and exercise?

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage risk factors and reduce the likelihood of stroke.

It’s important to remember that these answers are for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is at risk for or has experienced a stroke, consult a healthcare provider for proper guidance and care.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital, under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, offers comprehensive stroke treatment, providing a lifeline to patients during their most critical hours. Recognizing that time is of the essence in stroke care, the hospital is committed to delivering immediate medical attention within the crucial first 24 hours, where the window for intervention is most significant. With cutting-edge technology and a highly skilled medical team, including Dr. Rao, patients receive the full spectrum of stroke care, from rapid diagnosis to innovative treatments, ensuring the best possible outcomes in their journey to recovery.

The Role of Neurosurgery in Stroke Management and Recovery: Dr. Rao’s Hospital Leading the Way

Introduction

Stroke is a devastating condition that requires prompt medical attention and specialized care. In recent years, neurosurgery has emerged as a critical component in managing and recovering stroke patients. In this blog, we explore the significant role of neurosurgery in stroke care, specifically focusing on Dr. Rao’s Hospital, recognized as the best comprehensive stroke center. The hospital excels at offering cutting-edge neurosurgical interventions that optimize outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life under the direction of Dr. Rao, a renowned endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgeon with dural training.

Understanding Stroke: Causes, Types, and Impact

To comprehend the role of neurosurgery in stroke management, it is essential first to understand the causes, types, and impact of strokes. Ischemic strokes, caused by blocked blood vessels, and hemorrhagic strokes, resulting from ruptured blood vessels, require different treatment approaches. Dr. Rao’s expertise in cerebrovascular neurosurgery enables precise diagnosis and tailored interventions to address the specific type and location of the stroke.

Comprehensive Stroke Center: A Hub for Specialized Care

Dr. Rao’s Hospital is a comprehensive stroke center offering a multidisciplinary approach to stroke care. The hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, advanced imaging technologies, and dedicated stroke teams ensure swift and accurate diagnosis, allowing for timely intervention. Dr. Rao‘s leadership and expertise in dural-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgery further enhance the hospital’s capabilities in providing specialized care for stroke patients.

Benefits of a Dural-Trained Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon

The presence of a dural-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, such as Dr. Rao, within the stroke center brings invaluable benefits to patients. Dural-trained neurosurgeons have extensive experience in managing complex cerebrovascular conditions, including stroke. Because they have had special training, they can do delicate procedures like endovascular interventions, aneurysm repair, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) treatment with great accuracy and little risk.

Endovascular Interventions: Advancing Stroke Treatment

Endovascular interventions have changed how strokes are treated by letting neurosurgeons treat damaged blood vessels inside the brain using barely invasive techniques. Dr. Rao’s proficiency in endovascular procedures enables him to remove blood clots, restore blood flow, and minimize brain damage in stroke patients. This advanced approach offers benefits such as reduced procedural risks, shorter recovery times, and improved long-term outcomes.

Rehabilitation and Recovery Strategies

While acute stroke care is vital, post-stroke rehabilitation is equally critical for patients’ recovery. Dr. Rao’s Hospital adopts a comprehensive approach encompassing neurosurgical interventions, rehabilitation services, and ongoing support. Rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, aim to restore functionality, promote independence, and improve stroke survivors’ overall quality of life.

Empowering Patients and Caregivers

Dr. Rao’s Hospital empowers patients and their caregivers throughout the stroke care journey. Educational resources, support groups, and counseling services are provided to ensure that individuals and their families understand the condition, treatment options, and strategies for long-term management. Dr. Rao’s Hospital fosters a patient-centric environment that prioritizes individualized care and improved outcomes by fostering open communication and collaboration.

Conclusion

Neurosurgery is pivotal in stroke management and recovery, offering advanced interventions that optimize outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital Leading the Way

Dr. Rao’s Hospital, recognized as the best comprehensive stroke center, stands at the forefront of stroke care. Dr. Rao is a renowned dural-trained endovascular and cerebrovascular neurosurgeon. With his expertise and specialized training, Dr. Rao brings many benefits to stroke patients, ensuring the highest standard of care and optimal treatment outcomes.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital uses the newest neurosurgical techniques and a multidisciplinary approach to provide a wide range of stroke management services. This includes endovascular procedures, where Dr. Rao’s skills shine, allowing him to navigate the intricate blood vessels of the brain with exceptional precision. He can effectively restore blood flow, minimize brain damage, and improve patient outcomes through thrombectomy, stent placement, and coiling.

One big benefit of having a dural-trained cerebrovascular neurosurgeon like Dr. Rao is that they can treat complicated cerebrovascular conditions like aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) that can happen after a stroke. Dr. Rao has special training and knowledge that allows him to offer targeted interventions, such as surgical clipping or endovascular coiling, to treat these conditions effectively and stop them from worsening.

The role of rehabilitation and recovery cannot be understated in the journey of stroke patients. Dr. Rao’s Hospital recognizes the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies tailored to individual needs. Collaborating with a team of skilled therapists and rehabilitation specialists, the hospital provides physical, speech, and occupational therapy to aid recovery. This integrated approach ensures stroke survivors regain functionality, improve mobility, and regain independence, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.

Dr. Rao’s Hospital prioritizes patient and caregiver empowerment throughout the stroke care journey. By providing educational resources, support groups, and counseling services, the hospital ensures that individuals and their families can access the knowledge and support necessary to navigate stroke-related challenges. Dr. Rao’s team fosters a compassionate and patient-centric environment where open communication and shared decision-making empower patients to participate actively in their recovery.

In conclusion, under Dr. Rao’s direction at the best comprehensive stroke center, neurosurgery is essential for stroke management and recovery. With the help of a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon trained in dural techniques and Dr. Rao’s Hospital’s all-around approach, stroke patients get the best care possible, including advanced interventions, rehabilitation plans, and ongoing support. With Dr. Rao at the helm, the hospital remains dedicated to improving the lives of stroke patients and their families, driving positive outcomes in stroke management, and enhancing overall well-being.

Causes, Prevention and The Best Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disorders

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when the brain’s blood supply is cut off, depriving the brain of oxygen and causing brain cells to die. When cells die, the damaged part of the brain loses control of whatever part of the body it controls. It affects people of all ages, genders, and races. It is the leading cause of disability.

Although stroke is a brain disease, it can impact the entire body. The consequences of a stroke are determined by which section of the brain is affected and how serious the injury is.

Some of the common disabling symptoms of a stroke are:

Paralysis or issues controlling movement.
Sensory abnormalities, including pain.
Problems using or comprehending language.
Problems with thinking and memory.
Emotional disturbances.

Stroke can have fatal consequences. Thanks to innovative and sophisticated procedures and therapies, life-long impairment or death is no longer addressed.

At Dr. Rao’s Hospital, one of the best neurology hospital in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, highly qualified and experienced neurosurgeons collaborate to ensure that patients receive the care they require, whether it’s urgent care, brain surgery, cutting-edge diagnostics and treatment, cutting-edge clinical trials, or rehabilitation.

Because time is of the essence when treating stroke, our emergency department teams are prepared to deliver immediate, high-quality, and best stroke and cerebrovascular treatment in Andhra Pradesh. We also have a rapid response team that assesses patients and initiates particular procedures to determine the etiology of the stroke.

Now, let’s know,

What Causes a Stroke?

High blood pressure (hypertension): Itis a primary cause of stroke.

Vascular diseases: Vascular illnesses, such as clogged arteries, heart valve malfunction, irregular heartbeat, heart infection, and heart abnormalities, can lead to strokes, especially in the elderly.

Smoking or chewing tobacco: Smoking can cause several health problems, including fatty deposits in the neck artery, high blood pressure, and blood thickening. Blood clots in the blood vessels can result due to this. Even exposure to second hand smoke can put you at risk for a stroke.

Obesity: Being obese or overweight increases the risk of having a stroke.

Diabetes: Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are all variables that increase the chances of stroke.

Family history: Family genes can also increase the chance of stroke, heart attack, or other major risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Now, let’s know more about,

Acute Treatment Strategies for Stroke

If someone has a stroke, they should seek emergency medical attention from a neurologist in Guntur. You can be treated for a stroke with treatments like mechanical thrombectomy.

Neurosurgeons in Guntur use the following equipment to perform mechanical thrombectomy to remove blood clots.

1. Stentriever Mechanical Thrombectomy

A stentriever is the most recent mechanical device. A self-expanding mesh tube is linked to a wire-guided through a catheter (thin tube). The surgeon places the catheter in a groin artery and guides it through numerous blood channels until it reaches the blood clot in the brain.

2. Aspiration Thrombectomy

Manual cluster yearning or the use of catheter equipment to suck the coagulation out of the vessel are both used in aspiration thrombectomy.

Now, let’s see,

Procedure of Mechanical Thrombectomy

Mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure used to remove blood clots. Neurosurgeons remove blood clots using a vacuum or mechanical gear in mechanical thrombectomy. Therefore, the blood flow is restored, and the stroke is cured.

To achieve the finest results, it’s best to seek mechanical thrombectomy treatment from the best neurology hospital in Guntur.

What are the Advantages of Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Mechanical thrombectomy treatment allows patients to recover from a stroke within a 24-hour window following the commencement of the stroke. This will assist more individuals in recovering from stroke and avoiding the adverse effects of stroke.
For patients who have had a stroke, mechanical thrombectomy offers a gleam of hope. Mechanical thrombectomy provides them hope and bravery in their battle against stroke. It resurrects their long-dead hopes and gives them the strength to battle stroke. It is a potent tool that aids patients in overcoming dangerous strokes.
Mechanical thrombectomy also speeds up the recovery of patients with stroke. Though mechanical thrombectomy is a valuable technique for treating stroke, it is only available at a few neurology hospitals in Guntur.

Let’s discuss,

Stroke Prevention Strategies

Regardless of family history or age, there are several steps one can take to reduce the risk of having a stroke:

1. Keeping an eye on the blood pressure

One of the leading causes of stroke is high blood pressure. To improve vascular health, an individual should regularly monitor blood pressure and treat it if it rises.

2. Keeping weight in check

Obesity is connected to comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, which increase the risk of a stroke. Reduce your calorie consumption and increase your physical activity. Consult your doctor to develop a personal weight-loss plan that works for you.

3. Regular exercise is essential

Daily exercise will help you stay in shape and better control your weight and blood pressure, minimizing your risk of stroke.

4. Avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol

Smoking increases plaque build-up and blood thickening in the neck arteries, which can lead to clotting. Drinking increases the risk of stroke by causing high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, liver damage, and various other disorders. Reduce your risk of stroke by eating a healthy diet and quitting smoking. In addition, if you consume alcohol, do it in moderation.

5. Keeping an eye on the blood sugar level

Exercise, drugs, and a balanced diet can all help you keep track of your blood sugar levels. Diabetes can cause blood arteries to rupture and clot inside them over time.

Consult our expert neurosurgeons at Dr. Rao’s Hospital if you need cerebrovascular disease treatment or a stroke specialist in Andhra Pradesh.

The best stroke treatment in Guntur? IV tPA, mechanical thrombectomy

The symptoms of stroke can appear to any person in Guntur at any time. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from the best neurosurgeon in Guntur.

It is nothing but the shortage of oxygen and required nutrition due to disturbed blood supply into your brain. As a result, your brain cells start to die within minutes.

You can prevent brain injury and other problems if you avail of proper treatment as early as possible.

Sometimes your blood vessels rupture and lead to bleeding in the brain, both constitute towards the stroke. Almost 87% of strokes are due to lack of blood supply and 13% are due to haemorrhage i.e bleeding in the brain.

What are the signs and symptoms?

When you think you or someone you are with is having a stroke, pay careful attention to when the signs begin. Just remember the Mnemonic BE FAST, which indicates the symptoms to look for and the need of emergency treatment. Certain treatment choices are highly successful if offered right after the stroke.

The below are signs and symptoms of a stroke:

You can experience difficulties speaking and understand what people are doing. You can be confused, slur your sentences, or have trouble interpreting speech.

You may experience numbness or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg. It usually impacts only one side of the body. You can have a stroke if one limb starts to collapse. When you try to smile, one side of your mouth will droop.

You may experience double vision or have distorted or blackened vision in one or both eyes. An extreme headache followed by vomiting, dizziness, or disturbed consciousness may be a symptom of a stroke.

You can experience difficulty in walking due to a stroke. You can feel dizziness or a lack of balance as well.

Now let us see how our neurologist in Guntur performs the diagnosis?

When you arrive at the hospital, we will perform the following tests:

A physical test: Your doctor will administer a series of checks that you are already acquainted with, such as listening to your pulse and checking your blood pressure. We may perform a neurological evaluation to assess the effects of the stroke.

Blood test: Several blood checks can be done, including one to assess how easily your blood clots, whether your blood pressure is too high or low, and whether or not you have an infection.

CT scan: A CT scan can also be beneficial in your stroke diagnosis. It produces a clear representation of the brain by using a sequence of X-rays. A CT scan may exclude brain bleeding so we can go ahead with thrombolysis treatment without any delay.

Our neurosurgeon in Guntur Dr. Mohana can inject a dye into your bloodstream to allow them to examine the blood vessels present in your neck and brain more closely (computerized tomography angiography).

You may require Magnetic resonance imaging: An MRI creates a precise image of the brain using strong radio waves and magnets. An MRI can detect brain tissue injury and brain haemorrhages caused by an ischemic stroke.

So, what are the treatment options available for you?

If you are having an ischemic stroke or a stroke that causes bleeding through the brain, you will need emergency care. Doctors must rapidly restore blood supply to the brain to cure an ischemic stroke. Our neurosurgeon in Guntur provides the following treatments in case you are suffering from an ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke

IV treatment: In many cases, we can administer intravenous medications that may break up a blood clot in your brain. We administer these medications within 4.5 hours from when the symptoms started and recently up to 9 hours based on the perfusion scanning.

Medications: It is another very important way of treating stroke. Here our doctor administers medications directly to the site of the stroke. We use a long, narrow tube through an artery in your groin and thread it to your brain that is called IA thrombolysis, which may need in some small vessel disease cases.

stroke paralysis treatment — Mechanical thrombectomy with strentreiver

Endovascular surgeries: Ischemic strokes are often treated immediately inside the blocked blood artery by our Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, the interventional neurosurgeon or endovascular neurosurgeon with the help of suction device or with the help stentreiver, if patient is here with in 24 hours.

After an ischemic stroke, endovascular treatment can increase the outcomes and minimize long-term disability in up to 70% of patients after proper selection through perfusion imaging. Our interventional team Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is the best in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh and India.

A stent retriever: As one of the best neurosurgeons in Guntur, our doctor will clear the clot from the damaged blood artery in your brain using a system connected to a catheter. This method is beneficial for people who have big clots that medicines cannot remove entirely.

Haemorrhagic stroke:

Controlling the bleeding and reducing the pain in your brain caused by the extra blood are the main goals of emergency care for haemorrhagic stroke. There are multiple recovery services available, including:

Treatment in an emergency: When you use blood thinners to avoid blood clots, we might provide medications or blood transfusions to mitigate the blood thinners’ effects. We can give prescription medications to reduce intracranial pain, blood pressure, blood vessel spasm reduction, and seizure prevention.

Surgical procedures: Our doctor can perform surgery to remove the blood and relieve pressure on your brain if the bleeding is high.

Clipping by a surgeon: To stop the aneurysm’s blood supply, the best neurosurgeon in Guntur can put a tiny clip at its root. This clip will prevent an aneurysm from bursting or from bleeding again after it has already bled.

Coiling (endovascular embolization): Your surgeon can put tiny detachable coils into the aneurysm. He can use a catheter implanted into an artery in your groin and directed to your brain. It helps in blocking the blood supply into the aneurysm and causes clots.