Emergency management of stroke

Verified by Dr. Nitin Jagasia-Head Emergency Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai

Stroke: A time-bound medical diagnosis

A stroke is an emergency medical condition where blood supply to some areas of the brain is cut off temporarily causing brain damage as well as partial or complete loss of body functions, more commonly on one side of the body. Stroke is a time-sensitive medical condition. This means, delay in acquiring medical attention can result in larger brain damage. Therefore, emergency stroke care by expert doctors trained in handling such emergencies is essential to preserve vital functions of the body.

Emergency care for stroke

The Emergency Room (ER) of a hospital has a trained team of professionals including doctors, physicians, nurses, technicians and support staff. A patient with probable diagnosis of stroke will be brought into an ER through a cardiac ambulance. In the ER, doctors and nurses help stabilize the vitals of the patient like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory (breathing) rate with the use of appropriate medications. Immediately, an MRI scan is completed which confirms the type of stroke and the area of the brain damaged due to lack of blood supply. Accordingly, medications and/or interventions to restore the same are initiated. The patient is then moved out and shifted to an ICU for further management.

Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai emergency services

As pioneers of Emergency Care in India, Apollo Hospitals 24 hours Emergency Care guarantees you the highest levels of skill, expertise and infrastructure. Our protocols are designed to respond quicker and have proven outcomes that are on par with the very best in the world.

We are proud to have the best ER team on board with a fully equipped ER facility with the following features:

• Scientifically developed protocol-driven emergency system
• An easy to remember emergency access number -1066
• 24×7 access to world class emergency care with dedicated emergency team
• Ambulances that are well equipped and manned by trained personnel are indeed a veritable ‘Hospital on Wheels’. The ambulance provides free pick up and drop services within a 30kms radius in the city.
• Effective communication system between the central control room, ambulances and the emergency facilities in the hospital.
• The emergency physicians at Apollo are formally trained (MD or DNB) in Emergency Medicine.
• Nursing and paramedical teams are trained and competent with all-time critical interventions.

Which signs and symptoms indicate a probable impending stroke?

• Drooping of the face
• Arm and/or leg weakness
• Difficulty in speaking
• Vision issues
• Confusion & irrelevant talk
• Severe headache

Do not worry! If you or your loved one notice any of the signs and symptoms of stroke, call 1066 for immediate medical assistance from emergency specialists of Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and also avail free ambulance service within 30kms radius in the city.