How we can modify our lifestyle to reduce stroke risk?

Stroke is more prevalent than you would think. Every year, more than 800,000 people experience a stroke, with roughly 200,000 of them being second-time strokes.

However, we can reduce stroke risk easily now!!! Read further to know-how 

What if we told you that 90% of these strokes might have been avoided? Wouldn’t it be interesting to learn how? According to a recent study, nine out of ten strokes might be avoided by altering ten key risk factors.

In fact, it is the leading cause of non-traumatic long-term impairment. While certain risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed, this study discovered that modifying some of the below modifiable risk variables can greatly reduce stroke risk

 

The following are some lifestyle adjustments that can help you lower your risk. Read the full blog!

Healthy Lifestyle to reduce stroke

What can we do to modify our lifestyle to reduce stroke risk and make ourselves healthier?

Here are some things you can do to improve your health and reduce stroke risk:

  1. Don’t smoke, if you have just started STOP Now
  2. Make changes to your food habits. Consuming foods that are low in fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugars are all unhealthy.
  3. Engage in physical activity every day- a lot-specific time in a day and follow.
  4. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your medication.
  5. Have your blood pressure examined on a regular basis and attempt to lower it. If it’s too high, talk to your doctor about how to deal with it.
  6. Achieve and keep a healthy weight.
  7. Reduce your level of stress.
  8. Seek emotional support when you need it.
  9. See a doctor on a regular basis.

Now we will look at the above pointers in brief.

  • Reduce your weight to reduce stroke risk.

Reduce your weight to reduce stroke risk

Obesity, along with its consequences (such as high blood pressure and diabetes), increases your chances of having a stroke. If you’re overweight, decreasing only 10 pounds can reduce stroke risk significantly.

Your objective: While a BMI of 25 or below is desirable, it may not be feasible for you. Create a personal weight-loss strategy with your doctor.

How to get there:

Limit your daily caloric intake to 1,500 to 2,000 calories (depending on your activity level and your current BMI).

Increase the amount of exercise you get by walking, or playing sports, and by making physical activities a part of your daily routine.

  • Increase your physical activity to reduce stroke risk.

Increase your physical activity to reduce stroke risk

Exercise can help you lose weight and lower your blood pressure, but it can also help you prevent strokes on its own.

Your objective is to exercise five days a week at a moderate level.

How to get there:

Start a fitness club.

Try to take the stairs rather than the elevator.

If you don’t have 30 minutes to work out in a row, split it up into a few 10- to 15-minute sessions.

If you are consuming alcohol, do it within the limit.  If you have started recently STOP now on.

Diabetic treatment to reduce stroke risk

High blood sugar damages blood arteries, increasing the risk of clot formation.

Your objective is to keep your blood sugar in check.

How to get there:

As advised by your doctor, keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.

To keep your blood sugar levels within the specified range, use a combination of food, exercise, and medications.

  • Give up smoking to reduce stroke risk

Give up smoking to reduce stroke risk

Smoking has a number of effects on the production of clots. It thickens your blood and causes plaque accumulation in your arteries to rise. Along with a good diet and physical activities, quitting smoking is one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to reduce stroke risk.

How to get there:

Consult your doctor for guidance to quit smoking.

Use stop-smoking aids like nicotine tablets or patches, counseling, or prescription to help you quit smoking.

Please don’t give up. Most smokers require many attempts to stop. Consider each attempt as a step toward effectively breaking the habit.

  • Maintain a balanced diet to reduce stroke risk.

Maintain a balanced diet to reduce stroke risk

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins, and fish should all be part of your diet. Limit your intake of refined carbs, meats, and beverages. Reduce salt, added sugars, and saturated fats while avoiding trans fats by reading the nutrition information label on packaged items.

  • Take your medication as directed to reduce stroke risk.

Take your medication as directed to reduce stroke risk.

Your doctor may give statins or other drugs to help regulate cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure if you have a medical problem. Take all drugs exactly as prescribed. However, only use aspirin as a preventative strategy if your doctor recommends it. If you’ve had a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may recommend that you take aspirin at a low dose to lower your chances of having another.

The following are symptoms of a stroke:

  • On one side of the body, there is a weakness.
  • A feeling of numbness in the face
  • Speech dysfunction.
  • A strong and unique headache
  • Loss of eyesight
  • Tingling and numbness
  • Difficulty in walking.

Conclusion

Many heart and brain disorders can be delayed or avoided by leading a healthy lifestyle. This includes being active and fit, eating well, not smoking, and controlling diseases that put you at risk. Take responsibility for your health. Join Healthy for Good for information, resources, and inspiration on how to make changes and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

To prevent your chances of stroke, book an appointment with the Neurowellness brain and spine care center as our experts will provide you with the best treatment possible!

Brain – I too have golden hour!

A brain stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is reduced or stopped. This condition is similar to a heart attack. What happens here? Due to blockage inside vessel   there will be stoppage of blood and oxygen  reaching the brain.

The most common symptoms of brain stroke are facial weakness, arm and leg weakness, speech dysfunction, blurring of vision, and imbalance while walking. What risk factors are make brain  predisposes to stroke? hypertension, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, ischemic heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Brain too has GOLDEN HOUR like  heart!?

Brain stroke is like a heart attack. What one will do if suddenly develops chest pain ? People will reach the hospital as early as possible , get ECG and ECHO and will take opinion of cardiologist. Am I saying correct?  Dear people – Brain attack is similar to heart attack. If warning signs are recognised soon and  person reach the hospital in GOLDEN HOUR   complications that arise from brain stroke can be prevented or minimise the disability that can arise from stroke.

Dear all Let us know -How brain stroke happens?

Let us imagine heart -The heart pumps blood into the brain through blood vessels or channels called carotid arteries, which include right and left carotids. If there is a lack of supply or blockage to one side of the brain, it causes brain stroke. During a brain stroke, 1.9 million neurons die every minute due to lack of blood supply and if not treated immediately. What that means – that means the important centres of brain can get damaged parmanently.

Based on damage happens to brain -What all of us should know is Brain stroke is classified into mini-stroke and major stroke. This  Mini stroke is also known as TIA-Transient ischemic attack- we will see usually improve within 24 hours.  On contrast what happens in major stroke is – A person affected with a major stroke will take time to get better and the weakness or neurological deficits persists for a longer duration. Which results what happens? person may  become permanently disabled.

What is this  golden hour?

When brain stroke happens – we should take the patient to the stroke care hospital or seek immediate medication, within the golden period.  3.5 hours to 7.2 hours after the person has suffered a brain stroke is golden hour. The clot-bursting medication and mechanical thrombectomy if happens within this period blood circulation re-establishes. Why is is called golden hour?

After blood circulation re establishes – brain previously affected get blood circulation and nutrition and no of  neuronal death will reduce. This is possible by stent retrievers, it is a basket like device. Procedure is called Mechnical Thrombectomy.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a new modality of interventional stroke treatment, where mechanical force is applied to remove the clot by aspiration or by approaching through a basket-like device (stent retriever).

Treatment

In recent years, comprehensive stroke treatment units are helping people who are affected by stroke and maximum recovery is recorded. A comprehensive stroke unit or team consists of an emergency physician, a neurosurgeon, a neurologist, a neuroendovascular surgeon / interventional neuroradiologist, a neuro intensivist, a neuroradiologist, a neuro anesthetist and a physiotherapist.

Before Advanced Stroke treatment in Bangalore or endovascular stroke treatment came into the picture, what we were doing ?  the conservative treatment was only the option. It used showed many cases where the patients were suffered or lost their lives. The tendency to develop permanent weakness in the hands and legs, speech dysfunction, persistent vegetative state, high morbidities like the high probability of self-dependency on wheelchair or stretcher, dependence on family for a prolonged time, development of bedsore and sepsis, and death were more common in the conservative brain stroke treatment methods. If any patient comes after the golden hour period, the right treatment cannot be started.

On seeing symptoms like facial weakness, arm or leg weakness, speech dysfunction to name a few, the patient should be rushed to the hospital immediately without any delay, since every second count.

Hence remember and create the stroke awareness

FAST

FACIAL WEAKNESS

ARM WEAKNESS

SPEECH DYSFUNCTION

TIME TO REACH STROKE CARE CENTRE.

RISK FACTORS OF STROKE

What are the risk factors of stroke we should know?

A stroke can However, if you have specific risk factors, your chances of having a stroke increase. Some risk factors of stroke can be altered or managed, while others cannot. Today, an increasing number of people are putting their most valuable asset their brains under protection. Are you one of them?

What are the risk factors of stroke that cannot be modified:

1. a previous stroke or pre-existing cardiovascular disease such as a heart attack.

2. Age: 60 years old or older.

3. Family history: Members in the family that have suffered a stroke

4. Gender: Males are at a higher risk than females.

5. Race: Black, Asian, and Hispanic

6. Sickle cell disease, polycythemia, protein C/S deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, etc., are blood diseases that cause excessive clotting.

7. Mitral stenosis (a type of valvular disease)

8. Genetics or heredity: People with a family history of stroke have a higher risk of having a stroke.

What are the risk factors of stroke that can be modified: 

Risk factors of stroke that can be altered, treated, or controlled medically include

1. High blood pressure: persistent Blood pressure of 140/90 or above can cause damage to the brain’s blood vessels (arteries).

2. Heart disease: There is a strong association between heart disease and stroke. Several types of cardiac disease are known to increase the risk of stroke. Stroke, like coronary heart disease, is a risk factor. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) increases the risk of stroke in people with coronary heart disease, angina, or who have had a heart attack.

3. Diabetes: Control your blood sugar if you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for stroke on its own. Many diabetics also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and are overweight, all of which increase their risk. Even though diabetes is curable, it still raises your risk of stroke.

4. Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains nicotine and carbon monoxide, which harms the cardiovascular system and increases the risk of stroke. When birth control tablets are taken with cigarette smoking, the risk of stroke is considerably increased.

5. History of TIAs:  Mini-strokes is a term used to describe TIAs. The symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, although they don’t stay as long. You’re almost ten times more likely to suffer a stroke if you’ve had one or more TIAs than someone your age and sex who hasn’t.

6. High red blood cell count: The blood thickens and clots are more likely when the quantity of red blood cells increases significantly. This increases the chances of having a stroke.

7. High blood cholesterol and lipids: High cholesterol levels can contribute to artery thickening or hardening (atherosclerosis), which is caused by plaque buildup. Plaque is a buildup of fatty substances, cholesterol, and calcium in the arteries. The amount of blood flow to the brain can be reduced by plaque accumulation on the inside of the arterial walls. When the brain’s blood supply is cut off, a stroke develops.

8. Lack of physical activity

9. Obesity

10. Excessive alcohol consumption: Blood pressure rises if you drink more than two drinks every day. Stroke can occur as a result of binge drinking.

11. Illegal drugs: Abuse of intravenous (IV) drugs increases the risk of a stroke due to blood clots (cerebral embolisms). Cocaine and other narcotics have been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and a variety of other cardiovascular issues.

12. Abnormal heart rhythm: Some types of heart disease can increase your chances of having a stroke. The most potent and modifiable heart risk factor for stroke is having an abnormal heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).

13. Cardiac structural abnormalities: Long-term (chronic) heart damage can be caused by damaged heart valves (valvular heart disease). This can increase your risk of stroke over time.

Other risk factors of the stroke to consider are:

Where you reside: Strokes are more common in the southeast than in other parts of the country. This could be due to variances in lifestyle, race, smoking habits, and diet between regions.

Temperature, season, and climate:  Stroke deaths are more common during periods of excessive heat.

Social and economic factors: Strokes are more likely in low-income people, according to some studies.

Neurowellness provides high-quality Advanced Stroke treatment in Bangalore at an affordable cost in comparison with the other medical treatment options worldwide.

What facts you should know about brain stroke?

What is a brain stroke?

A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted(Ischemic stroke) or blood leaks out of the vessels(Haemorrhagic stroke). It’s a life-or-death situation. Parts of the brain are injured or die in both cases. A stroke can result in long-term brain damage, disability, or even death.

To function properly, the brain requires a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. Even if the blood flow is interrupted for a brief period of time, this can cause issues. Without blood or oxygen, brain cells begin to die after only a few minutes.

Brain function is lost when brain cells die. It’s possible that you won’t be able to do tasks that require the particular section of your brain affected by stroke, resulting in paralysis, vision and speech issues, cognitive challenges, and personality changes, depending on which part of the brain is affected.

Brain Stroke statistics:

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death globally. Individuals and their families might be devastated by a stroke, which takes away their freedom. Adult disability is most commonly caused by this condition. Approximately 795,000 Americans have a stroke each year, with approximately 160,000 dying as a result of stroke-related causes. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is dedicated to lowering this burden via biomedical research.

In this blog, you will be learning about various facts related to a brain stroke that you may haven’t  know before! These could save a life and may help you in gathering information as well.

What International studies says-

Facts that you need to know about a brain stroke. These are as follows:

Stroke was responsible for one out of every six deaths caused by cardiovascular disease in 2018.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States gets a stroke. A stroke kills someone every 4 minutes.

A stroke affects more than 795,000 people in the United States each year. The first or new strokes account for around 6,10,000 of these.

A total of 185,000 strokes occur in people who have already had a stroke, accounting for approximately one-fourth of all strokes.

Ischemic strokes, in which blood flow to the brain is blocked, account for about 87 percent of all strokes.

Between 2014 and 2015, the cost of stroke in the United States was nearly $46 billion. This figure includes the cost of health-care services, stroke-treatment medications, and lost workdays.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability. More than half of stroke survivors aged 65 and up lose mobility as a result of their stroke.

Women account for more than half of all stroke deaths.

Men are more likely to suffer strokes, but women are more likely to die from them.

Every year 700,000 people have a new or recurrent stroke.

Because there are around 4.7 million stroke survivors alive today, stroke is the primary cause of serious, long-term impairment.

The annual healthcare expenses spent on heart disease and cancer combined are less than the annual healthcare dollars spent on stroke therapy.

Over the age of 65, nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur, and the chance of having a stroke more than doubles every decade after the age of 55.

Every year, stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer.

High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, and one in every three African Americans suffers from it.

What Indian Statistics says?

Stroke caused 6,99,000 deaths in India in 2019, which was 7.4% of the total deaths.

Around 1.8 million people in India suffer from a stroke every year

Global Burden of Disease study shows that of the 9.4 million deaths in India, 619,000 were due to stroke and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost were 28.5 million

20-30% of strokes occur in people younger than 45 years and is more frequently seen in India compared to the west.

Prevalence rate of stroke range, 84-262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas.

The incidence rate is 119-145/100,000.

Incidence of stroke increases with increasing age, but in our urban population it peaked in the highly productive age group of 46-65 years. The risk of stroke was lower in women as compared to men under the age of 45, it becoming equal in the age group of 46-65. However, with advancing age, women were more prone to ischemic stroke(infarct) above the age of 65 as compared to men. Incidence of intracerebral haemorrhage was found to be significantly higher in men than women under the age of 45years

There are new medicines that can considerably lessen the damage caused by a stroke, but you must go to the hospital where comprehensive stroke unit centres are there as early as possible of the onset of symptoms to avoid disability. Controlling hypertension could prevent 320,000 strokes each year.

During a stroke, two million brain cells die every minute, raising the risk of permanent brain damage, disability, or death.

WHO says-

There are17M Strokes

6.5 Millions  deaths

26 Million survivors

Specialized stroke units care increase the chances of survival by 14%

Clot bursting medications increases chances of good outcome by 30%

Clot retrieval treatment increases the chances of good outcome by more than 50%

Neurowellness provides Advanced Stroke treatment in Bangalore at affordable cost in comparison with the other medical treatment options world wide.

Golden Hour Stroke Treatment: How Clot-Busting Medication Saves Lives

Around 20% of stroke victims are between the ages of 20 and 55. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly can mean the difference between a life saved and a tragic outcome.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States, as well as the top cause of adult disability. According to the National Stroke Association, few people understand what a stroke is and how to spot it when it occurs.

stroke

What is a golden hour?

 When someone is having a stroke, what we call  “Golden Hour” can make all the difference in the world. The first  3.5 hours is crucial because stroke patients have a significantly better chance of surviving and avoiding long-term brain damage if they arrive at the hospital in right time and are treated with a clot bursting medicine known as TPA.

What is TPA?

 TPA is a thrombolytic medication, also known as a “Clot Burster.” This clot burster is used to break up the clot that is causing a blockage or disruption in the flow of blood to the brain and aids in the restoration of blood flow to the affected part of the brain. It is administered intravenously (IV).

Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah

Consultant – Neurosurgeon, Neurointerventional Surgery, Spine Surgeon (Neuro)
23+ Years Experience Overall (17+ years as Neuro Specialist)

Available for Consultation: Jayanagar 9th Block & Kauvery Hospital, Electronic City 

Thrombolysis- A “clot burster” medicine

Ischaemic strokes are frequently treated with injections of alteplase, a medication that breaks blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.

This application of “clot bursting” medication is known as thrombolysis.

Alteplase is most effective when administered as soon as possible after a stroke occurs – ideally within 4.5 hours.

It is not generally advised if more than 4.5 hours have passed, as it is unclear how effective it is after this period.

Before using alteplase, a brain scan must be performed to confirm the diagnosis of an ischemic stroke.clot burster

This is due to the fact that the medication has the potential to exacerbate the bleeding that happens in hemorrhagic strokes.

It is critical to seek therapy for Ischemic Stroke as soon as possible because we now have a clot burster called TPA (Tissue Plasminogen Activator). It’s an enzyme medicine that dissolves clots, and it may be given at only in  stroke-ready(comprehensive stroke care)hospital.

What tests are required?

A CT scan of the brain will be performed as soon as possible to evaluate whether you or a family member can be offered TPA. This is to determine whether the stroke can be improved by TPA. If the stroke was caused by bleeding into the brain, TPA can exacerbate the hemorrhage. You will not be able to obtain TPA if this is the case. A blood test will also be performed to ensure that you do not have a bleeding disorder.

If the CT scan reveals no brain bleeding, doctors can employ the clot-dissolving medication TPA if specific criteria are met. This will be discussed with you by the doctor.

Subsequently CT angiogram and  MRI scan will be performed to understand more about treatment aspect- like perfusion study.

Understanding TPA as a stroke treatment

The drug TPA is frequently used to treat ischemic strokes. It must be given to the patient within 4.5 hours after the commencement of the stroke, as permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are various pros and cons to using tPA as an advanced stroke treatment in Bangalore, including the following:

Pros:

TPA can be very helpful in dissolving blood clots and increasing a patient’s chances of recovering after a stroke. At the very least, TPA may lessen the long-term repercussions of a stroke. However, the benefits of TPA are heavily dependent on when it is delivered.

Cons:

Doctor will explain everything in detail before they give blood thinners. RTPA has Bleeding risk

Summary:

Strokes are a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

The sooner a person receives care for a stroke, the less likely it is that permanent damage will occur.

Conclusion

Clot-busting medications like TPA (tissue plasminogen activator) have revolutionized stroke care, but timing is everything. Administering this treatment within the golden window (first 4.5 hours) can drastically reduce brain damage, prevent disability, and even save lives. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome—making awareness and rapid action absolutely critical.

Recognizing stroke symptoms early and reaching a stroke-ready hospital immediately is the first and most important step toward recovery.

Need expert stroke care in Bangalore?

Book a consultation with Dr. Ganesh Veerabhadraiah, one of Bangalore’s top neurosurgeons.

FAQs

1. What is the golden hour in stroke treatment?

The golden hour refers to the first 60 minutes after stroke symptoms appear. Prompt medical intervention during this time significantly increases the chances of recovery and reduces the risk of permanent brain damage.

2. Which medication is used for clot-busting in stroke?

Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), such as Alteplase, is commonly used as a clot-busting drug in ischemic stroke. It works by dissolving the blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain.

3. How effective is TPA in stroke recovery?

tPA is most effective when given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Administering it early can minimize brain injury, reduce disability, and improve long-term outcomes.

4. What are the risks of clot-busting treatment?

While generally safe when administered properly, tPA can increase the risk of bleeding in some patients. A doctor will assess eligibility through a CT scan and medical history before treatment.

5. How do I know if someone is having a stroke?

Use the FAST test:
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Early recognition is key to receiving timely treatment.

Minimally invasive pin hole surgery for narrowed brain vessel (MCA stenting) for brain stroke

Successful MCA Stenting for TIA in a 46-Year-Old Patient: A Case Study

A 46-year-old gentleman from North Karnataka presented with complaints of left-sided weakness and difficulty speaking for 10 days prior to his arrival at 1224, G-Floor, 26th Main, 9th block, Jayanagar, Opp to Ragiguddada Anjaneyaswamy Temple Arch, Bangalore, Karnataka 560069. On examination, he was conscious, alert, and oriented, with no noticeable motor or sensory deficits. Further investigation led to a diagnosis of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), a condition often referred to as a mini-stroke. Here’s an in-depth look into his diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process.

MRI
Minimally invasive pin hole surgery f

Initial Diagnosis

The patient underwent an MRI brain stroke protocol, which revealed watershed infarcts in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory with high-grade stenosis of the MCA. To further evaluate the extent of the problem, a Digital Subtraction Angiogram (DSA) was performed, showing more than 95% focal stenosis, with significantly reduced blood flow into the distal branches of the M2 and M3 segments of the MCA.

This high-grade stenosis posed a significant risk of a major stroke, prompting the team to plan for MCA stenting after carefully explaining the benefits and risks to the patient.

What is MCA Stenting?

The Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) is one of the major blood vessels supplying the brain. Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a small tube called a stent inside the narrowed artery to restore proper blood flow.

Unlike traditional brain surgery, MCA stenting doesn’t require opening the skull (craniotomy). Instead, thin wires and catheters, as small as a strand of hair, are inserted through a blood vessel in the thigh. These wires are guided all the way to the narrowed brain artery, where the stent is placed to open up the blocked area.


Procedure Overview

The patient was taken to the catheterization (Cath) lab for the procedure. A right femoral puncture was made to insert the guide wires and a micro-catheter. Using these tools, the team successfully reached the right MCA and placed a 2.25mm x 8mm stent in the brain vessel. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with no complications during or after the stenting.

Stenting
Brain Stroke

Post-Operative Results and Recovery

A post-operative CT scan showed no signs of bleeding or stroke. The patient experienced no complications and was able to walk the next day. He was discharged two days later, in good condition.

Stenting

Understanding Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Unlike a major stroke, the symptoms of a TIA usually resolve within 24 hours. However, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause, as a TIA is often a warning sign of a more serious stroke.

Symptoms of TIA

  • Weakness in the face or limbs, typically on one side
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Temporary vision disturbances
  • Numbness or tingling sensations

CT scan

Diagnosing TIA

A variety of diagnostic tools are used to confirm a TIA and identify the cause:

  • Duplex scan
  • CT scan of the brain
  • MRI of the brain
  • MRA angiogram
  • Echocardiogram (ECHO)
  • Perfusion brain scan
  • DSA (Digital Subtraction Angiogram)

Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

TIAs are a critical warning sign, predicting a higher risk of a major stroke. Studies show that about 15% of people who experience a TIA will suffer a major stroke within three months. The risk increases to 30-40% within one year if left untreated. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent a future stroke.

CT scan

Preventive Treatments for Stroke

Several interventional procedures are available to prevent strokes in high-risk individuals, such as those who have experienced a TIA:

  • MCA Stenting: This is the procedure that was performed in this case to treat severe stenosis and restore blood flow to the brain.
  • Carotid Artery Stenting: This procedure is used to treat blockages in the carotid arteries in the neck, which supply blood to the brain.
  • Mechanical Thrombectomy: This is an emergency treatment used to remove large blood clots during an acute stroke.

These minimally invasive procedures can dramatically reduce the risk of a major stroke, especially in patients with a history of TIA.

Conclusion

In this case, the timely diagnosis of MCA stenosis and the successful MCA stenting procedure helped prevent a major stroke for the 46-year-old patient. With the growing availability of advanced interventional treatments, it is possible to reduce the risk of life-threatening strokes in patients with conditions like TIA.

For those at risk, early medical intervention can make all the difference in ensuring a full recovery. If you experience symptoms of a mini-stroke, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.


This surgery was performed, Consultant Neurosurgeon specializing in brain and spine surgery.

For more information or consultation, contact:
Email: ganeshneuros@gmail.com
Phone: 9845674662, 7349017701

FAQs

1.What is minimally invasive pinhole surgery for MCA stenting?

Minimally invasive pinhole surgery for MCA (Middle Cerebral Artery) stenting involves accessing the brain’s blood vessels through a small puncture, typically in the groin. Using specialized catheters and imaging techniques, a stent is placed in the MCA to restore proper blood flow.

2.What are the benefits of minimally invasive MCA stenting?

This approach offers several advantages, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, no need for large incisions, minimal scarring, and a quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgeries.

3.Who performs minimally invasive MCA stenting?

These procedures are conducted by specialists trained in interventional neurology, neurosurgery, or radiology, often referred to as endovascular surgeons. They undergo advanced training to master these delicate techniques.

4.What conditions can be treated with neuroendovascular surgery?

Neuroendovascular surgery can address various conditions, including brain aneurysms, acute ischemic strokes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid artery stenosis, and carotid-cavernous fistulas.

5.What are the risks associated with MCA stenting?

While generally safe, potential risks include clot formation at the puncture site, allergic reactions to contrast dye, and the possibility of blood clots traveling to critical areas, which could lead to a stroke.

Tips to prevent brain stroke

What steps can you take to avoid a stroke? Having a mother, father, or other close relative who has had a stroke makes us more susceptible to having one.

Although you can’t turn back the clock or change your family history, you can control many other stroke risk factors if you’re aware of them. Knowledge is a powerful tool. You can take steps to mitigate the effects of a risk factor that is sabotaging your health and predisposing you to a higher risk of stroke if you are aware of it.

What is a stroke?

 When blood circulation to the brain fails, a stroke, also known as a “brain attack,” occurs. Reduced blood flow and the resulting lack of oxygen can cause brain cells to die. Strokes can be divided into two types: those caused by a blockage in blood flow and those caused by bleeding into the brain. Ischemic stroke, or a blockage of a blood vessel in the brain or neck, is the most common cause of stroke, accounting for about 80% of all strokes.

types of stroke

The formation of a clot within a blood vessel of the brain or neck, referred to as thrombosis; the movement of a clot from another part of the body, such as the heart, to the brain, referred to as embolism; or a severe narrowing of an artery in or leading to the brain, referred to as stenosis. The second type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by bleeding into the brain or the spaces surrounding the brain.

In brief, When the blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off, a stroke occurs. A clot or something else blocking the flow is the most common cause. Ischemic strokes are what they’re called. Bleeding in the brain is responsible for about 20% of the cases. Hemorrhagic strokes are what they’re called.

Prevention of a stroke:

  •  Lower your blood pressure

 Strokes are most commonly caused by high blood pressure. For more than half of them, this is the reason. Blood pressure readings of less than 120/80 are considered normal. If yours is consistently higher than 130/80, you may have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

High blood pressure can make you 4-6 times more likely to have a stroke if it isn’t properly managed. This is due to the fact that it can thicken artery walls, causing cholesterol and other fats to build up and form plaques. If one of these breaks free, it can cut off the blood supply to your brain.

High blood pressure can also weaken arteries, making them more prone to burst and resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke.

Plaquue in Blood vessel

Work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range if you have high blood pressure. Medication and lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, may be beneficial.

  • Quit smoking

 If you smoke, you increase your chances of having a stroke by twofold. Cigarette smoke contains nicotine, which raises blood pressure and carbon monoxide, which reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. Even inhaling second hand smoke can increase your risk of having a stroke.

Tobacco is also responsible for :

  1. Increase the amount of triglycerides in your blood.
  2. Reduce the amount of “good” HDL cholesterol in your body.
  3. Your blood will become sticky and more likely to clot as a result.
  4. Increase the likelihood of plaque formation
  5. Blood vessels thicken and narrow, causing damage to their linings.
  6. Consult your doctor about quitting smoking. Nicotine patches and counselling may be of assistance. If you don’t succeed the first time, don’t give up.
  • Manage your heart

 Some strokes are caused by blood clots and are caused by an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib causes blood to pool in your heart, posing a clotting risk. If that clot travels to your brain, it can cause a stroke. You can have AFib because of high blood pressure, plaques in your arteries, heart failure, and other reasons.

Your heart can be put back into a normal rhythm with the help of medications, medical procedures, and surgery. Consult your doctor if you’re not sure if you have AFib but are experiencing heart flutters or shortness of breath.

  • Control your diabetes

 A stroke is 2-4 times more likely if your blood sugar is high. Diabetes can cause fatty deposits or clots in your blood vessels if it isn’t properly managed. This can narrow the ones in your brain and neck, potentially cutting off the brain’s blood supply.

If you have diabetes, make sure to check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, take your medications as directed, and visit your doctor every few months so they can monitor your levels.

  • Exercise

 A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for stroke. So get to work. You are not required to run a marathon. It is sufficient to exercise for 30 minutes five days a week. Before you begin exercising, consult your doctor.

  • Get proper diet

 Healthy eating can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of having a stroke. Every day, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and leafy greens like spinach are ideal). Choose foods that are high in fibre and lean proteins. Trans and saturated fats can clog your arteries, so avoid them. Reduce your salt intake and stay away from processed foods. They’re frequently high in salt and trans fats, both of which can raise blood pressure.

  • Medications

Blood thinners are advised in medical conditions like stent in heart and neck vessels(angioplasty) and after bypass surgery of heart etc.  You may  be advised to manage blood parameters correctly.  Blood thinners are like double edged sword. If you don’t take correctly also cause problem,  if you won’t take/manage blood parameters properly also causes problem. Please follow doctors advise correctly – helps in stroke prevention.

Summary:

 Neuro Wellness spine and brain care centre does Advanced Stroke treatment in Bangalore with the best care. The specialists ensure cost effective and efficient treatment.

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