On Monday a 31yr old was brought into #ApolloHospitalsOMR ER complaining about loosing stability and balance and distorted vision. The ER specialist suspected stroke and suggested an MRI. Patient was reluctant because he was well aware of the symptoms of stroke (FAST) and what he was experiencing didn't fall into that bracket. However on being coaxed he underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with a Basilar Artery Occlusion.
What does that mean? Basically a clot formation in the most vital part of your brain which supplies blood to control your heart and breathing. As pointed in the image. Notice how there is no blood flow towards the right in the image. In most cases such a condition has greater than 85% of fatality rate. The young man had just a few hrs ticking before his heart and breathing would've been compromised.
#ApolloHospitalsOMR has a highly skilled Core Stroke Team which was able to conclude that stroke condition in time and Dr. Joy Varghese the leading Intervention Neurologist at #ApolloHospitalsOMR was immediately notified to begin treatment.
The patient was a non smoker. The reason for clot formation in this patient was high level of homo-cysteine in blood. Homo-cysteine is a factor in blood than increases the clotting tendency of blood. Patient was treated with bridging therapy within 6 hours of the onset of stroke by giving clot busting drug followed by aspiration of clot from the artery in the Cathlab. Notice the arrow mark..the blood flow has been re-initiated towards the right side in the image.
Thanks to #Dr.. Joy Varghese and the Core Stroke team (#DrShanumgaSundaram, #DrSathya, #DrDevachandran, #DrPrathima) and the ICU,CCU and ER Staff @ #ApolloHospitalsOMR the patient went walking back home this morning. Patient went home walking on fifth day after stroke with no weakness or disability. He is back to normal life in 5 days.
Remember: Please do not deal with any kind of physical discomfort. It is your body's siren blowing loud telling you that something inside is not ticking the way it should. Most of us are covered with a comprehensive health insurance, there is really no harm in getting a diagnostic test done to reassure that you are actually as healthy as you think you are. Even without an insurance, what is the price you are willing to pay to ensure all your vital organs and limbs continue to optimally function???
Awareness will take you in time to the hospital. Diagnoses in time will save your body from unnecessary damage...Treatment can be delivered only when the first two steps are taken by you!
