Experts call for stroke recognition and timely care

 In observance of Stroke Awareness Month, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, organised the Apollo Stroke Awareness Programme (ASAP), to promote awareness about stroke prevention, early recognition, and timely management.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2023) and the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), stroke is the second leading cause of death globally after ischemic heart disease. In India, it stands as the third leading cause of death, following heart disease and cancer, and remains a major cause of adult disability.

 The World Stroke Organisation observes October 29 as World Stroke Day, while the Indian Stroke Association dedicates October as Stroke Awareness Month to encourage prevention, early treatment, and rehabilitation.

Aligned with the World Stroke Day 2025 theme, “Every Minute Counts”, the Apollo Stroke Awareness Programme (ASAP) emphasised the urgency of recognising stroke symptoms and acting promptly (#ActFAST). School students, stroke survivors and caregivers attended the event.

Dr. Avinash Goswami, Neurology, guided participants on how to “Spot the Stroke,” highlighting the importance of early recognition.

Dr. Pushpendra Nath Renjen, Neurology, discussed early management approaches and key factors influencing recovery.

Dr. Seema Grover, Chief, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, spoke on the vital role of post-stroke rehabilitation and introduced the hospital’s advanced Robotic Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, designed to accelerate motor recovery.

Speakers underscored the role of youth engagement, empowering school students to become young ambassadors for stroke awareness, spreading vital knowledge about prevention, recognition, and emergency response within their communities.

Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Stroke is not just a medical emergency; it’s a race against time. Recognising the warning signs early and reaching a hospital immediately can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.”

Through such efforts, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals continues its commitment to building a healthier, more informed, and stroke-aware society.

Key symptoms to watch for

Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. 

Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? 

Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. 

Time to call emergency services: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call emergency services immediately and get them to the hospital. 

Other important signs

Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech 

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination 

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause 

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 

Sudden nausea or vomiting, double vision, or drowsiness can also occur 

For women, symptoms like lightheadedness and headache can also be associated with a stroke, as shown on this MedicalNewsToday article 

What to do

Call emergency services immediately if you notice any signs, as you should not drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital.
Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment on the way to the hospital, which can lead to a better chance of recovery.
Stroke treatments are often only effective within the first few hours of symptom onset, so acting fast is critical. 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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What Is GBS Disorder? Symptoms You Should Know

Pune has reported more than 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), with one suspected death reported in Solapur, the Maharashtra government has confirmed.

Initial reports indicate that the deceased may have contracted the infection in Pune before travelling to Solapur. A total of 28 new GBS cases were reported, bringing the overall count to 101.

How Much Do We Know About GBS?

The neurological disorder is rare condition, with exact causes not known. Two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including Covid-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.

GBS can cause numbness, weakness or paralysis. The first symptoms include weakness and tingling in the hands, feet. The sensations quickly spread and may lead to paralysis.

The most serious form of Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital, according to Mayo Clinic.

Other symptoms may include unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs, trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing, double vision or inability to move the eyes, severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp-like and may be worse at night, trouble with bladder control or bowel function, rapid heart rate, low or high blood pressure and trouble breathing.

There Are Two Types Of GBS:

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is the most common form of GBS found in North America and Europe. The most common sign of AIDP is muscle weakness that starts in the lower part of the body and spreads upwards.

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) in which paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with an unsteady walk. MFS is less common in the US but more common in Asia.

Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are less common in the US. But AMAN and AMSAN are more frequent in China, Japan and Mexico.

What Are The Causes And Complications?

Although the exact cause of GBS is not known, but the disease usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection.

A senior medical officer from the Maharashtra health department told CNN-News18 Guillain-Barre Syndrome’s symptoms usually become prominent after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. He pointed out that a bacterial or viral infection, recent vaccination, surgery and neuropathy can trigger Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He has appealed to the people to not panic saying that even though GBS is a rare disease, it can be treated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infection with Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis, is one of the most common risk factors for GBS. Other triggers include viral infections such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and, in rare cases, vaccinations, Some of the GBS symptoms are triggered by campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry, influenza virus, Zika virus, Hepatitis A, B, C and E, HIV, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Covid-19 and surgery.

In the GBS, the body begins attacking the nerves instead of killing the organisms. In AIDP, the nerves’ protective covering, known as the myelin sheath, is damaged. This prevents nerves from transmitting signals to the brain, causing weakness, numbness or paralysis.

People infected with GBS may experience trouble in breathing. Up to 22% of people with Guillain-Barre syndrome need temporary help from a machine to breathe within the first week when they are hospitalised for treatment.

Most people with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover completely or have only minor, residual weakness, numbness or tingling. Blood pressure fluctuations and irregular heart rhythms are common side effects of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Sluggish bowel function and urine retention may result from Guillain-Barre syndrome. People whose movements are less due to Guillain-Barre syndrome are at risk of developing blood clots.

People are advised to maintain proper hygiene, consume boiled water, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as muscle weakness or difficulty breathing.

What Is The Situation In Pune?

The first suspected GBS case was hospitalised on January 9. Laboratory tests have detected the presence of Campylobacter jejuni bacteria in biological samples taken from hospitalised patients.

Of the confirmed cases, 16 patients are on ventilator support. An analysis of the cases indicates that 19 patients are below the age of nine, while 23 are within the 50-80 age bracket. The gender distribution reveals that 68 patients are male, and 33 are female.

While authorities are investigating potential sources of infection, water contamination cannot be ruled out as a major cause. Tests conducted on water samples have revealed high levels of E. coli bacteria in a well near Khadakwasla Dam, which is Pune’s primary water source. However, it remains uncertain whether the well was in use.

Health officials have surveyed 25,578 households in order to trace the source of the outbreak.

The GBS treatment requires immunoglobulin (IVIG) injection, which is priced at Rs 20,000. Patients often require multiple injections, which add up the financial burden. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated, “The treatment is expensive. After discussions with officials from the district administration and municipal corporation, we have decided to provide free treatment. Those from Pimpri-Chinchwad will be treated at YCM Hospital, while patients from Pune Municipal Corporation areas will receive treatment at Kamla Nehru Hospital. For citizens from rural areas, free treatment will be provided at Sassoon Hospital in Pune."

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakashrao Abitkar told CNN-News18 that he will be reaching Pune soon, and there is no need to panic. He mentioned that GBS had existed before and is not a communicable disease. “We are taking all measures to contain the surge," he said.

 

 

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8 Common Signs of Meningitis

Meningitis is a disease that is connected with the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. The etiology of this disease can vary, but the symptoms of different types are usually similar.

Children are more susceptible to this disease, which is why we’ve decided to remind parents about the ways of detecting meningitis and which symptoms should be paid attention to. 

 

Sudden Fever

One of the symptoms of meningitis is a sudden fever. The child will start to shiver and keep complaining that they are always cold. The sick person’s temperature will increase quickly, and it very often becomes an uphill struggle to bring it down again. However, since this symptom is a sign of many other diseases, one should keep a look out for other tell-tale signs of meningitis.

Severe Headache 

Headaches which are caused by meningitis are often unbearable. Moreover, the pain can impact a patient’s neck as well, but due to the pain caused by the headache this symptom is often overlooked. 

 

Double Vision  

Someone who is suffering from meningitis won’t be able to focus their eyesight, which is why they end up with double vision.  

 

Stomachaches, Nausea, and Vomiting

A person who is suffering from meningitis will not have much of an appetite. This is down to the constant nausea, stomachaches, and vomiting. 

 

Sensitivity to Bright Light Another sign of meningitis is a sensitivity to bright light. The bright light will cause the child’s eyes to water and can lead to a strong headache. 

 

Rigidity of the Occipital Muscles 

A child with meningitis may be found in a particular position: lying on their side with their head thrown back and their legs bent. Attempts to unbend their neck are often unsuccessful. 

 

Inability to Unbend Legs  

Even if you’re able to bend the child’s head to their chest, their legs may instantly bend at the knees, and will be impossible to unbend. This phenomenon is known as the Brudzinski neck sign.  

 

Unfading Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are also possible with meningitis. Using the following test, it’s very easy to detect a simple rash that’s not connected to meningitis. Take a clear glass, apply it to the rash, and press firmly against the skin until it turns pale. If the rash turns pale along with the skin, then it’s not meningitis. However, if the rash doesn’t fade, then medical attention should be sought. 

 

What to Do  

Meningitis is a deadly disease, which is why if you notice any of these symptoms you should call an ambulance right away. You should provide the sick person with rest, peace and quiet, and in a dimly lit room until the paramedics arrive. 

 

You should inform the doctor about all the symptoms you have noticed. It’s highly discouraged to refuse hospitalization when there is suspicion of meningitis because it can only be treated properly in the inpatient department.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement