Brain Superspeciality Hospital caters to brain-related ailments. How did you come up with the idea of establishing a hospital dedicated to brain health?
With increasing life expectancy, as well as a rising number of brain problems that occur with age and otherwise, there has been a tremendous upsurge in brain disorders.
Brain, spine, and mind-related disorders are increasing significantly in both the paediatric and adult populations. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, for some specific reasons, there has been a notable increase in strokes among young people, as well as a rise in conditions such as brain fog, epilepsy, degenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
BRAINS actually stands for Bengaluru Regenerative Advanced Institute of Neurosciences. So, the whole purpose is to ensure that we take care of brain health comprehensively so that it supports both our body and our societal needs.
What is a stroke? Why does it happen?
A stroke is a catastrophic event that occurs suddenly, resulting in paralysis of the limbs, loss of speech, loss of sensation, loss of balance, or loss of memory, suddenly disabling the individual temporarily or permanently.
This happens due to various reasons. The main reason is the sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, known as an ischemic stroke. This is the type most commonly known as a stroke among the general population. When such a condition is treated during the golden hours, diagnosed properly, and treated effectively, the results can be quite good, and we can reduce the level of disability.
What are the early symptoms of stroke?
Usually, many people do get some warning signs. We call these Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). People experience sudden loss or blurring of vision, or loss of vision in one half of the visual field, which then suddenly recovers. They may lose sensation in one half of the body and then recover, or experience sudden weakness in the hand or leg and again recover.
There is also a condition called Transient Global Amnesia, where they suddenly can’t recollect anything — they go blank, lose all memory, and then gradually regain it. Usually, these symptoms do not last more than a few hours, and there is almost always complete recovery within a day.
What should be done by the family when suddenly a stroke strikes?
When a stroke strikes, most of the time the patient remains conscious. Very few become unconscious immediately, except in cases of brain haemorrhage. If they are conscious and realise they are unable to move their hand or leg, especially at night or early morning, they should immediately alert the family and contact their family doctor or hospital to reach medical care as soon as possible.
What kind of lifestyle is more prone to being struck by a stroke
People who are obese, very sedentary, indulge in excessive smoking or alcohol consumption, lack exercise, abuse drugs, or suffer from hypertension and emotional stress are more prone to strokes.
