Marengo Asia Hospitals commemorated World Stroke Day to advocate timely intervention in stroke patients and organized a patient-centric awareness sessiontoday. The session was led by Dr. Kapil Aggarwal, Clinical Director-Neurosciences, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram. He was joined by 33-year-old Mrs Christiana Joseph, who was successfully treated for stroke to prevent paralysis of her left side of body.
Many stroke patients experience early signs that they don’t take seriously. There are two main types of strokes. The Ischemic stroke that creates a blood clot, or thrombus, blocks an artery. The other stroke is the Hemorrhagic stroke in which a blood vessel bleeds uncontrollably inside the brain. Stroke increasing among younger adults. Among those aged 18-44 years old there was a 14.6% increase in stroke prevalence; for adults in the 45-64 category, it increased by 15.7%. There is a notable increase in premature atherosclerosis, which involves the hardening and blockage of blood vessels, particularly among younger adults. This rise is largely attributed to an increase in vascular risk factors for stroke in this age group.
Explaining the criticality about the case that how timely intervention prevented her paralysis, Dr. Kapil Aggarwal, Clinical Director-Neurosciences, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, said “Mrs. Christina Joseph, mother of two and office professional, came to us with a two-hour history of sudden onset weakness and paralysis on the left side of her body. Recognizing the symptoms of an acute brain stroke, she arrived at the hospital within the critical window for stroke management. An immediate MRI revealed a blockage in the blood supply to the right side of her brain, necessitating swift action. Thanks to the timely diagnosis, she was administered a clot-busting drug, which is considered the gold standard in stroke treatment when given within four hours of symptom onset. This drug helped to reopen blocked arteries, preventing further brain damage. Timely intervention, as in this case, can significantly reverse paralysis and restore quality of life. She is a perfect example of how early treatment can make a world of difference, since every single minute counts during stroke.”
Although Mrs. Joseph experienced significant weakness in her left upper and lower limbs in the initial days after her stroke, her condition began to improve remarkably with ongoing treatment and medication. Through consistent rehabilitation and medical care, her left-side paralysis was almost completely reversed. Today, she is functionally independent and has returned to her daily routine.
Sharing her emotional story, Mrs. Joseph said, “I cannot thank the doctors enough. I could feel my body giving up when I suddenly couldn’t move my left side. But I made it to the hospital on time and am forever grateful for the care I received. I have regained my ability to walk, work, and be the mother my kids need.”
During the session, Dr. Kapil Aggarwal emphasized that stroke patients like Mrs. Joseph who seek immediate medical attention have the highest chances of recovery. He explained how identifying stroke symptoms early—like sudden weakness or paralysis—can save lives and prevent long-term disability. He also urged the public to remain vigilant and not ignore such warning signs.
The latest approved technology to treat strokes is vagus nerve stimulation to enhance post-stroke recovery of motor skills. This is a new treatment that has given hope to many patients. It can lead to clinically significant increases in motor scores and upper extremity strength.
Dr Saurabh Lall, Vice President and Facility Director says, “As we observe Stroke Day, it is vital to emphasize the importance of early detection and timely intervention in stroke care. Every minute counts in saving lives and reducing the impact of a stroke. At Marengo Asia Hospitals, we are committed to providing rapid, comprehensive care to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Our focus is on creating awareness about the warning signs and promoting a healthier lifestyle to prevent strokes and safeguard our community’s health.”
The burden of stroke is increasing in India; stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Previous research suggests that the incidence of stroke in India ranges between 105 and 152/100,000 people per year. Almost 800,000 people have a stroke each year, more than 140,000 die and many survivors face disability. This is disturbing because about 80% of strokes are preventable. Stroke treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, but the effectiveness of the treatment depends heavily on how quickly the patient arrives at the hospital, which is a stroke-ready centre.