Srinagar, May 15: A 35-year-old woman from Kargil, battling for her life after a sudden stroke, received a second chance thanks to the advanced 24×7 stroke care services offered by Paras Hospitals in Srinagar.
As strokes are time-sensitive emergencies, and could have caused life-long paralysis to the patient, in this case despite delayed arrival, doctors at Paras Health Srinagar managed to save the life of the young woman in a remarkable 20 minutes procedure.
The patient, a housewife, a mother of four young children, experienced a stroke in Kargil. While initial medical attention was provided there, doctors determined she needed a thrombectomy, a critical procedure that removes blood clots from the brain. Ideally, this procedure is most effective within the first six hours of a stroke.
Unfortunately, the journey to a healthcare facility equipped for thrombectomy presented significant obstacles. Harsh weather conditions and transportation delays in the region due to heavy rainfall and landslides extended their travel time to nearly 12 hours. This delay significantly reduced the typical window for a successful thrombectomy.
Despite the extended timeframe, Paras Health Srinagar, renowned for its advanced stroke care services, offers the crucial advantage of 24×7 MRI scans. This technology is vital for diagnosing strokes and determining the viability of thrombectomy and its presence even during the night ensures swift assessment and treatment for the young woman.
Upon arrival at Paras Hospitals after nearly 12 hours, a team of specialists led by Dr Hilal Ahmad Ganaie, Associate Director- Neurology and Neuro Interventions, at Paras Health Srinagar, swiftly assessed the woman’s condition. The advanced MRI scan, a key differentiator for Paras Hospitals in the region, provided critical information. Though outside the usual timeframe, the scan indicated potential benefit from thrombectomy.
Dr Hilal Ahmad Ganaie, Associate Director- Neurology and Neuro Interventions, Paras Health Srinagar, said, “The MRI provided a series of 5-10 images that allowed us to identify a mismatch between blood flow and brain tissue. This indicated that while some damage had occurred, there was still viable tissue that could be salvaged by reopening the blocked artery. The MRI essentially guided our decision-making. Following the MRI, we performed a perfusion study to further assess the situation.” He further added, “The entire procedure, including femoral puncture and clot retrieval, was completed within a remarkable 18-20 minutes using minimal devices (aspiration catheters) to maximize efficiency. This technique is called ADAPT technique, and while it can sometimes take up to an hour, our team achieved success in this case within a much shorter time frame.”
Dr Hilal Ahmad Ganaie further informed that, “The patient’s improvement was evident even during the surgery. From a state of complete confusion before the procedure, she began to understand our language on the operating table, demonstrating a significant improvement in consciousness. The local anesthesia used during the procedure allowed her to be awake but drowsy, and upon completion, she regained full consciousness with comprehension. This swift intervention was critical, as any further delay could have resulted in permanent paralysis.”
The patient is expected to make a near to complete recovery within the next 4-5 months. This case exemplifies the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after a stroke. Strokes can strike anyone, regardless of age, and early intervention is paramount for maximizing recovery chances. Paras Hospitals’ commitment to providing advanced 24×7 stroke care ensures hope, even in complex situations with logistical challenges.