After you reach the hospital, the emergency doctor will take your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. Some of the tests performed to help confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of stroke include:
Physical examination - such as speech, eye movements, muscle strength and coordination, listening to your heart, etc.
Blood tests - you may do several blood tests, including tests to check blood sugar and cholesterol levels, kidney and liver function, and also, if required, special tests.
CT scans - CT scan can be done in those who are unable to undergo MRI.
MRI - MRI uses powerful radio waves and magnets to create a detailed picture of the brain, helping the doctor to detect damaged brain tissue in a better way. With the availability of 3T MRI at our hospital, waiting time for stroke is reduced to 7 minutes.
Cerebral angiogram or DSA - this test provides a detailed picture of the arteries in the brain and neck, enabling the doctor to detect blockages or clots that may have caused symptoms, and if needed, removed them at the time of the procedure.
Echocardiogram - an echocardiogram creates detailed images of the heart, which doctors can use to find sources of clots that may have traveled to the brain and caused a stroke.
Treatment for stroke depends on the type of stroke that patients have. Fortis Hospital, Mulund stroke experts will help you choose the best treatment plan based on each individual’s needs and informed by the latest research.
For ischemic strokes (due to blockage), your doctor or care team will try to quickly restore blood flow to the brain. This may be done with:
Emergency IV medication (IV tPA)
Emergency endovascular procedures - delivering medications directly to the brain, or removing the clot with a stent retriever.
Other procedures may include:
Carotid endarterectomy - a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of strokes. It involves opening the carotid artery and removing the fatty deposits, and can be done at a later date.
Angioplasty and stents - a procedure to inflate the narrowed artery and insert a stent to support the opened artery.
For haemorrhagic strokes (bleeding in the brain), the main goal of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure in the brain. Treatment options may include:
Control of blood pressure, diabetes and special attention to ABC (airway, breathing, circulation).
Surgery - a surgeon is involved if the blood accumulate is causing pressure on the brain or if there is collection of blood below the scalp (subdural or epidural haemorrhage).
Surgical clipping or endovascular coiling - a surgeon places a small clamp at the base of the aneurysm, the leaking of blood, or a coil can be placed within the aneurysm by endovascular techniques.
AVM removal - if the haemorrhagic stroke is caused due to an AVM, a surgeon can remove it if it’s located in an accessible area of the brain.
Following treatment, you will be closely monitored by our team of world-class rehabilitation specialist and physiotherapist who will help you recover as much function as possible and return to independent living.
