Home
PG College
Patient Login
International patients
Contact Us
Emergency
Download Reports
Stroke Emergency and Recovery Pune
Get 24×7 stroke emergency care in Pune. Expert neurologists ensure quick response, rehabilitation, and recovery for better outcomes.
Overview
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. Often called a “brain attack,” this medical emergency can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or death if not treated promptly. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide, making early recognition and treatment absolutely critical.
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 80-87% of all cases and occur when a blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes, representing 13-20% of cases, happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding into or around brain tissue.
Symptoms
Recognizing stroke symptoms early is crucial for getting life-saving treatment. The F.A.S.T. method helps identify the most common warning signs:
- F – Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile – an uneven or lopsided smile indicates a problem
- A – Arm Weakness: One arm becomes weak or numb. Have the person raise both arms – if one drifts downward, it’s a warning sign
- S – Speech Difficulty: Speech becomes slurred, garbled, or difficult to understand. The person may struggle to speak or comprehend simple statements
- T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If any of these symptoms are present, call for help immediately
Additional stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden severe headache with no known cause, and sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
Causes
Stroke occurs due to problems with blood vessels supplying the brain. The underlying causes differ depending on the type:
Ischemic Stroke Causes:
- Thrombosis: A blood clot forms directly in a brain artery, often due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Embolism: A clot forms elsewhere in the body (commonly the heart) and travels to block a brain artery
- Stenosis: Narrowing of arteries reduces blood flow to the brain
Hemorrhagic Stroke Causes:
- High blood pressure causing small arteries to rupture
- Brain aneurysms (weakened blood vessel walls that balloon out)
- Arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins)
- Head trauma or injury
- Blood-thinning medications or bleeding disorders
- Illegal drug use, particularly cocaine
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your likelihood of having a stroke. Some can be controlled, while others cannot:
Modifiable Risk Factors:
- High blood pressure (the most significant controllable risk factor)
- Heart disease, including atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes mellitus
- Smoking tobacco
- High cholesterol levels
- Physical inactivity and obesity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Illicit drug use
- Certain birth control pills
Non-modifiable Risk Factors:
- Age (risk increases significantly after age 55)
- Gender (men have higher risk, but women tend to have more severe strokes)
- Family history and genetics
- Race and ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans have higher risk)
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack
Diagnosis
Quick and accurate diagnosis of stroke is essential for determining the best treatment approach. Healthcare providers use several methods:
Initial Assessment:
- Physical examination and neurological evaluation
- Review of symptoms and medical history
- Blood tests to check clotting factors and blood sugar levels
Imaging Tests:
- CT scan: Quickly detects bleeding and some types of ischemic stroke
- MRI: Provides detailed images of brain tissue and can detect smaller strokes
- CT angiography and MR angiography: Visualize blood vessels to identify blockages or bleeding
- CT perfusion and MR perfusion: Assess blood flow to brain tissue
Additional Tests:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart rhythm problems
- Carotid ultrasound to examine neck arteries
- Echocardiography to evaluate heart function
Types
- Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by blockage of arteries supplying blood to the brain. This includes thrombotic stroke (clot forms in brain artery) and embolic stroke (clot travels from elsewhere in the body).
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding into brain tissue or surrounding spaces. This includes intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding within the brain) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain).
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” TIA causes temporary stroke-like symptoms that typically last less than 24 hours. While no permanent damage occurs, TIA is a serious warning sign of future stroke risk.
Stages
Stroke recovery typically involves three phases:
- Acute Phase (0-24 hours): Immediate onset of symptoms requiring emergency treatment. This is the critical window for treatments like clot-busting medications or surgical intervention.
- Subacute Phase (Days to weeks): Brain swelling and inflammation may worsen damage. Medical management focuses on preventing complications and stabilizing the patient.
- Chronic Phase (Weeks to months): The focus shifts to rehabilitation and recovery. The brain begins healing processes, and patients work to regain lost functions.
Treatment
Stroke treatment depends on the type and how quickly medical care is received:
Ischemic Stroke Treatment:
- Thrombolysis: Clot-busting medications like tPA must be given within a specific time window (usually 3-4.5 hours)
- Mechanical thrombectomy: Surgical removal of large clots from major brain arteries
- Antiplatelet medications: Prevent new clots from forming
- Anticoagulants: Blood thinners for certain patients
Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment:
- Blood pressure control to prevent further bleeding
- Surgery to repair ruptured blood vessels or relieve pressure on the brain
- Medications to reduce brain swelling
- Treatment of underlying conditions like aneurysms
Rehabilitation
Stroke rehabilitation is essential for recovery and improving quality of life. The rehabilitation team typically includes:
- Physical therapy: Helps regain movement, strength, and coordination
- Occupational therapy: Focuses on relearning daily activities like dressing, eating, and bathing
- Speech therapy: Addresses communication difficulties and swallowing problems
- Psychological support: Helps cope with emotional and cognitive changes after stroke
Rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after a stroke and may continue for months or years. The brain’s ability to form new connections means that improvement is possible even long after the initial stroke.
Complications
Stroke can lead to various short-term and long-term complications:
- Permanent neurological deficits including weakness, paralysis, or speech problems
- Cognitive impairments affecting memory, thinking, and problem-solving
- Emotional challenges such as depression, anxiety, and mood changes
- Swallowing difficulties increasing risk of pneumonia
- Blood clots in legs or lungs due to immobility
- Seizures in some patients
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Prevention
Many stroke risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes and medical management:
- Maintain healthy blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication if needed
- Control cholesterol levels with proper diet and medications when necessary
- Manage diabetes effectively through blood sugar monitoring and treatment
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
- Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels
- Stay physically active with regular aerobic exercise
- Take prescribed medications for heart conditions or clot prevention
- Manage stress through healthy coping strategies
Living With Stroke
Adjusting to life after stroke requires patience, support, and ongoing medical care:
Recovery is often a long process that requires dedication to rehabilitation programs and lifestyle changes. Many stroke survivors can regain significant function and independence with proper treatment and support. Building a strong support network including family, friends, healthcare providers, and stroke support groups is crucial for emotional well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent brain damage or death
- The F.A.S.T. method helps identify common stroke symptoms: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call for help
- Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots blocking brain arteries, while hemorrhagic strokes result from bleeding in the brain
- Many stroke risk factors can be controlled through lifestyle changes, medication, and proper medical management
- Quick diagnosis using CT scans, MRI, and other tests determines the best treatment approach
- Rehabilitation is essential for recovery and may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Sancheti Hospital provides comprehensive stroke care, from emergency treatment to long-term rehabilitation, with a team of experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehabilitation specialists dedicated to helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes
Meet Our Neurology Specialists
Dr. Vishal Rokade
Neuro Surgeon
Dr. Nilesh Bhandari
Neuro Physician
Dr. Amol Mahajani
Neuro Physician
Dr. Poornima Gauri
Neurology
Dr. Chetna Patil
Neurologist
Dr. Sandeep Jawale
HOD of the Sancheti Neurosurgery Department
Dr. Akshay Patil
Consultant ICU Incharge, Physician and Diabetologist
Dr. Sarang Rote
NeurologyPatient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I suspect someone is having a stroke?
Call emergency services immediately and note the time when symptoms first appeared. Do not drive the person to the hospital yourself – emergency medical services can begin treatment during transport.
Can stroke damage be reversed?
Some brain tissue can be saved if blood flow is restored quickly, especially with ischemic stroke. However, brain cells that die cannot be replaced, which is why immediate treatment is so critical.
What's the difference between a stroke and a TIA?
A TIA causes stroke-like symptoms that resolve within 24 hours without permanent damage. However, TIAs are serious warning signs that indicate high risk for future stroke.
Are strokes hereditary?
While family history increases stroke risk, lifestyle factors and medical conditions play a more significant role. Having a family history doesn’t guarantee you’ll have a stroke.
How long does stroke recovery take?
Recovery varies greatly among individuals. Some people recover quickly within weeks, while others may continue improving for months or years. The extent of recovery depends on the stroke’s severity, location, and how quickly treatment was received.
