NTR inaugurates Acute Stroke Centre

Renowned actor, NTR inaugurated the Acute Stroke Centre at KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad on Wednesday.

To mark the occasion, an awareness programme on stroke, its symptoms and prevention was conducted at the premises by President of the Neurological Society of India (NSI) Dr BS Sharma, AIIMS educating attendees on it.

Highlighting the signs of stroke, the doctor said, “Stroke occurs when there is an interrupted flow of blood in the brain or a clot. It needs immediate medical attention else this results in more damage to life.”

Talking about the initiative, NTR said, “After I met with an accident I understood the importance of having a doctor in the family. I suggest the youth to take medicine as their profession. This would help people during emergency.”

Dr B Bhaskar Rao, CEO, KIMS Hospitals, said, “Stroke can happen to anyone. With proper treatment 50 per cent of stroke patients can lead a normal life. Chances of reoccurrence of stroke are 10 per cent and this happens when proper medication is not taken.”

Dr Subhas Kaul, President of Indian Academy of Neurology and an Internationally renowned Stroke Specialist, said, “About 45 people die each second in our country due to stroke and many others become numb. Immediate treatment given within five hours after stroke can help the patient to lead a normal healthy life.”

Although there are treatments available that can reverse disability from stroke, less than five per cent of patients in India receive them.

Speaking about prevention options for the condition, Dr Manas Panigrahi, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at KIMS Hospitals said, “Up to 80 per cent of strokes are preventable. There are many steps you can take to help prevent a stroke, including keeping blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels under control, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking.”