Ramaiah Memorial Hospital has inaugurated its new, state-of-the-art Ramaiah Stroke Center. This 24/7 multidisciplinary stroke management unit, complete with a Neurointensive Care Unit, is designed to deliver immediate and comprehensive stroke care to patients across the region.
The inauguration took place in the presence of hospital leaders including Dr. SC Nagendra Swamy, President of Ramaiah Memorial Hospital; Dr. Madan S Gaekwad, Chief Operating Officer; Dr. Aruna D Ramesh, Head of the Department of Accident & Emergency; Dr. Sunil V Furtado, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences; and Dr. Mahendra JV, Head of the Department of Neurology at the same institute. This pioneering facility is set up to provide advanced stroke diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation under one roof, with a dedicated 6-bed Stroke ICU within the Neuro ICU.
According to recent statistics, stroke is the third leading cause of death and the sixth leading cause of disability in India. Often referred to as a "brain attack," stroke affects people of all ages and can lead to varying degrees of damage depending on its severity and the speed with which it is treated. Dr. Nagendra Swamy stressed the importance of rapid treatment, citing the "Golden Hour"—a critical 4.5-hour window following a stroke during which prompt intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.
"The incidence of stroke is increasing across India, with recent data indicating 138 cases per 100,000 people," Dr. Swamy noted. "A comprehensive stroke care center, accessible during emergencies, can drastically reduce the mortality and disability associated with stroke. With the Ramaiah Stroke Center, our goal is to provide round-the-clock specialised care, giving each patient the best chance at recovery."
The Ramaiah Stroke Center offers a "Stroke Code" protocol that mobilises a swift, systematic response to stroke cases. Dr. Aruna D Ramesh explained the "8 Ds" of this protocol, which encompasses every step from early symptom detection to emergency transport and immediate diagnostic and treatment interventions. "Our team follows the Stroke Code meticulously, ensuring that every patient has the best chance of survival and recovery. Rapid response, neurological assessments, and high-tech imaging like CT scans are essential parts of our protocol to make informed decisions swiftly," she emphasised.
In addition to pharmacological and non-invasive interventions, the stroke center is equipped to perform neurointerventional and neurosurgical procedures. Dr. Sunil V Furtado highlighted the center’s capability to handle cases where patients require more than clot-busting medications. "For patients with blocked or bleeding arteries, immediate surgery or endovascular intervention can restore blood flow and significantly reduce damage. Our neurosurgical team is prepared to perform life-saving procedures, such as stenting or artery-opening surgeries, to give patients the best chance at recovery and prevent future stroke events."
The center also incorporates a dedicated Neuro Rehabilitation Unit, which supports the long-term recovery process for stroke patients. Dr. Partha Sarathi, Chief Consultant of Neuro Rehabilitation, emphasised the importance of personalised recovery plans. "Each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation to create a tailored rehabilitation program, which may include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The journey to recovery varies, but with intensive therapy, many patients regain significant functionality," he added.
Dr. Mahendra JV explained the center's commitment to post-stroke care, noting that patients in the Stroke ICU receive close monitoring to address stroke-related disabilities and other complications. "Our multidisciplinary team of neurocritical care specialists and vascular neurologists works together to offer comprehensive, round-the-clock care, which includes monitoring for any functional impairments and additional support for challenges like swallowing and mobility," he shared.
In addition to emergency and rehabilitative care, the hospital provides continuous preventative care to minimise recurrence risks for discharged patients. This includes guidance on lifestyle changes, medical management, and regular follow-ups, ensuring patients have the resources they need to maintain their health and avoid future strokes.
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