Neurological conditions affecting the brain, spine, and mind are increasingly being seen in both children and adults, with a marked rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, says Dr N K Venkataramana, Founder-Chairman of Brains Super Speciality Hospital in Bengaluru. He reports a growing number of young stroke patients, alongside a surge in cases of brain fog, epilepsy, degenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
At Brains Hospital—short for Bengaluru Regenerative Advanced Institute of Neurosciences—the focus is on comprehensive neurological care. Dr Venkataramana says the idea behind the hospital was driven by the rising burden of brain-related ailments across all age groups. With life expectancy increasing, he notes, age-related conditions are growing, along with neurological disorders that affect people regardless of age. He emphasises that protecting brain health is critical not just for individuals, but for the wellbeing of society as a whole.
What is a Stroke
Dr Venkataramana defines a stroke as a sudden and catastrophic event that can leave a person paralysed, speechless, off balance, or even memory-impaired—either temporarily or permanently. He points out that the most common cause is an ischemic stroke, which results from a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain.
He adds that quick and effective intervention, especially within what he refers to as the “golden hours”, often leads to much better outcomes and significantly reduces the chances of long-term disability.
Warning Signs
The early signs of stroke, according to Dr Venkataramana, are often subtle but important to detect. He refers to these as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). These can manifest as a temporary loss or blurring of vision, numbness on one side of the body, or sudden weakness in a limb—symptoms which usually resolve within a short time.
He also mentions a phenomenon known as Transient Global Amnesia, where individuals temporarily lose all memory and experience a mental “blank”, only to recover fully within a few hours. Dr Venkataramana believes recognising these warning signs early can be life-saving.
Prevention Measures
When a stroke strikes, Dr Venkataramana notes that patients usually remain conscious, especially in ischemic cases. He advises that any sudden loss of limb movement or sensation—particularly during sleep or early morning—should prompt immediate alerting of family members and urgent contact with a doctor or hospital.
He highlights that certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of stroke. Individuals who are overweight, physically inactive, or who smoke or consume alcohol excessively are more vulnerable. High emotional stress, hypertension, and drug abuse are also significant contributors. Dr Venkataramana emphasises the need for a healthier lifestyle to mitigate these risks.
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