Best Stroke Doctors in Kolkata

A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood flow to the brain that leads to the death of brain cells, resulting in potential long-term disability or even death. This incidence is high among people with pre-existing health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels, and those who smoke.

In the city of Kolkata, a cultural hub known for its rich history. The incidence of stroke is rising in this cultural hub. The local cuisine's deep-seated love for sweets and deep-fried snacks has inadvertently contributed to a rise in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, both significant risk factors for stroke. Nonetheless, Apollo Hospitals boasts some of the best doctors for stroke treatment and stroke disease treatment doctors who are tirelessly providing comprehensive care to patients.

Types of Stroke

Understanding the type of stroke a patient is suffering from is crucial for administering appropriate treatment. Broadly, strokes can be categorised into:

• Ischemic Stroke: This accounts for approximately 80% of all strokes and occurs when there is a blockage in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain.

• Haemorrhagic Stroke: This type involves bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel. It can be further divided into intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding within the brain) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding in the space between the brain and skull).

Symptoms of Stroke

Recognising the symptoms of a stroke early can be life-saving. The following are common signs to look out for:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Confusion or trouble speaking and understanding speech.

• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.

• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

• Severe headache with no known cause.

Tests to Diagnose Stroke

At Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, a variety of tests are employed for diagnosing stroke. These include:

• Physical Examination: Stroke treatment doctors conduct a thorough physical examination, including checking vital signs.

• Neurological Assessment: Using the NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) scale to understand the severity of the stroke.

• Imaging Tests: CT scans and MRI scans are used to visualise the affected area and establish the type of stroke.

• Blood Tests: These help in determining the cause and ruling out other possible conditions.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Stroke at Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata

Fortunately, with the expertise of dedicated stroke doctors and stroke specialists at Apollo, managing and treating strokes has become achievable. They recommend:

• Medication: For ischemic strokes, clot-busting medications (thrombolytics) are administered to restore blood flow to the brain.

• Endovascular Procedures: These procedures remove blockages from blood vessels, often used for treating ischemic strokes.

• Blood Pressure Control: Medications are given to control blood pressure, especially in cases of haemorrhagic strokes.

• Surgery: Surgical procedures may be employed to repair blood vessels or remove clots. Stroke surgeons at Apollo Hospitals are adept at these procedures, ensuring the best possible recovery for patients.