SCRIPT to be launched on pilot basis at RGGGH

When an individual’s blood circulation is compromised in the brain, it happens either in the form of a thrombus or haemorrhage. “Both can destroy the brain cells and cause paraplegia or hemiplegia. Every stroke has something known as the ‘stroke in evolution’ - Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Those developing a stroke may develop weakness, numbness or paraplegia. It is then that one must identify that it is a stroke in evolution,” said Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan.

Stating that as far as stroke is concerned, every minute is an evolution, he said, “If the cells get destroyed, then getting them back is not possible as nerve cells don’t regrow like others.”

With time being an extremely important factor in the case of a stroke, earliest intervention is always better and effective. “In the case of a stroke, taking a CT Scan is extremely important to identify whether it is a thrombus or a haemorrhage. If it is a block, like in the heart, we try to thrombolyse the emboli – we try to lyse the clot so that the blood supply is restored as early as possible,” said Dr P Krishna, a Neurologist.

Stressing on the fact 85 per cent of all strokes are thrombus, he said, “It is very important to identify the cause for the stroke.”

The state NRHM has therefore been establishing CT scan across the city. “If it is a thrombus, it is the physician’s job to thrombolyse the patient. However, if it is a case of a haemorrhage, the patient would need to be transferred to a high-end centre, where an intervention must be done – to drain the clot,” said Radhakrishnan, adding, “With this in mind, we have initiated a programme to train doctors and nurses at RGGGH. Everything must be done in a systematic model, so we are basically putting things in place to ensure that mortalities due to stroke are reduced. This programme will soon be expanded to other parts of the state as well.”