Sakra World Hospital Hosts 'Rise Above Stroke' Walkathon, Opens Stroke Clinic

Bengaluru: India has experienced a 51% surge in stroke cases, though 80% of these can be prevented through awareness and early interventions. To promote stroke awareness, Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru organized the “Stride to Save Lives Walkathon” under the theme "Rise Above Stroke," while also announcing the launch of a dedicated Stroke Clinic. The event was attended by key leaders, including Managing Director Yuichi Nagano, Deputy Managing Director Naoya Matsumi, and Associate Vice President of Sales and Marketing Gurupradha Poonja PJ.

The event featured a panel of medical experts from Sakra’s Institute of Neurosciences, including Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, Director & HOD; Dr. Amit Kulkarni, Senior Consultant & Lead in Neurology & Stroke; and Dr. Roopa Seshadri, Senior Consultant in Neuro & Stroke Intervention. Other specialists present were Dr. Chidambaramurthy Udaya Shankar, Dr. N Chandrashekar, Dr. Dilip Mohan, Dr. Alok Mohan Uppar, and Dr. Shylesh M P, all of whom contributed to discussions on stroke management and prevention.

Dr. Arjun Srivatsa explained that most stroke patients experience early warning signs but often dismiss them when symptoms subside within minutes. He emphasized the importance of understanding the two primary types of stroke: hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding in the brain, and ischemic, resulting from blocked arteries. Ischemic strokes make up 87% of stroke cases both in India and worldwide, highlighting the need for timely medical intervention to prevent long-term damage.

The event also addressed the role of lifestyle in stroke prevention, with Dr. Amit Kulkarni advising lifestyle modifications and the adoption of the "BE F.A.S.T." method for early stroke detection. BE F.A.S.T. stands for Balance loss (B), vision loss in one or both eyes (E), Facial drooping (F), Arm weakness (A), and Slurred speech (S), with Time (T) being critical for seeking immediate help. Following these steps can be life-saving, as rapid treatment can prevent permanent damage.

The newly launched Stroke Clinic at Sakra aims to offer comprehensive care using advanced technology such as the Transcranial Doppler (TCD) machine. The clinic will also feature a Stroke Awareness Vehicle and an educational stall to inform the public. The clinic’s primary goal is to provide timely, effective treatment to stroke survivors and their families.

Sakra’s Managing Director, Yuichi Nagano, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to raising awareness of stroke prevention and recognizing early signs. Deputy Managing Director Naoya Matsumi highlighted the substantial personal and community burden of stroke, underscoring the importance of public awareness. Gurupradha Poonja, Associate Vice President, stressed that timely treatment is crucial, and the dedicated stroke unit is key to improving patient outcomes.