Best Stroke Doctors in Visakhapatnam

A stroke, often referred to as a cerebrovascular accident, is a serious medical condition that arises when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. This interruption can lead to substantial damage to brain cells due to a lack of oxygen and essential nutrients. The causes of stroke are diverse, including hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of stroke.

The coastal city of Vizag, India, with its bustling population and fast-paced lifestyle houses some of the best doctors for stroke treatment who are well-equipped to handle medical emergencies. These stroke specialists and stroke surgeon doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Vizag offer top-notch care to patients.

Types/Stages of Stroke

Strokes can be divided into two primary categories:

• Ischemic Stroke: This type is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. It is the most common type of stroke.

• Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when there is a rupture in a blood vessel, causing bleeding in the brain.

Symptoms of Stroke

Individuals should watch out for these key symptoms of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Trouble walking or maintaining balance

• Severe headache with no known cause

Tests to Diagnose Stroke

The following tests are commonly used for diagnosing stroke:

• Physical Examination: This includes assessing the patient's symptoms and medical history.

• Neurological Assessment: This helps identify problems with any part of the nervous system.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This imaging test can reveal areas in the brain that have been damaged by a stroke.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test can detect brain tissue damaged by an ischemic stroke or brain haemorrhages.

• Carotid Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of the carotid arteries and detect any plaque buildup.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Stroke at Apollo Hospitals, Vizag

At Apollo Hospitals, our team of stroke doctors and specialists are equipped with the expertise to provide comprehensive care for stroke patients. Based on the type and severity of the stroke, diverse treatment options are available:

• Medications: Clot-busting drugs are used to treat ischemic strokes by restoring blood flow to the brain.

• Endovascular Procedures: These can also be used to treat ischemic strokes; one common procedure is thrombectomy, where a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to remove the clot.

• Carotid Endarterectomy: In case of a severe form of stroke where there's plaque buildup in the carotid artery, this surgical procedure is performed to remove the plaque and restore blood flow.

• Stenting: This involves placing a small wire mesh tube into an artery to ensure it remains open, helping prevent strokes.

• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR): This relatively new procedure reduces the risk of stroke during the treatment of carotid artery disease.