Monday, March 05, 2012

World Stroke Campaign International Committee

CMC Neurologist DrJeyaraj nominated as Chair
DrJeyaraj D Pandian, Professor and Head of Neurology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana has been nominated as the Chair of the World Stroke Campaign (WSC) International Working Committee.DrPandian took this responsibility during the recent board meeting of World Stroke Organization (WSO) held in New Orleans, USA.   Talking about the new position, DrPandian stated that he felt honored to take up the post as a first Asian/Indian. He mentioned that the WSO/WSC has been involved in improving the public awareness of stroke across the world over the last 2 years with the major theme “1 in 6”. One in 6 people worldwide will have a stroke in their life time, but stroke is preventable. DrPandian elaborated on the role of WSC in providing education and support for stroke survivors, family members and the health professionals involved in their treatment. The main focus of WSC is the annual World Stroke Day which is observed on 29th October every year. He discussed that the public awareness activities in India had increased over the last 2 years.
DrJeyaraj D Pandian also gave an invited talk at the International Stroke Congress which was held in New Orleans, USA from February 1st to 3rd. The special symposium was arranged jointly by the American Stroke Association, World Health Organization and World Stroke Organization.DrPandian is privileged to be the first Indian Neurologist to be invited to give a talk at the International Stroke Congress. He discussed about the rising burden of stroke in low and middle income countries like India and how to face the challenge.
Stroke or brain attack occurs when there is a blockage due to a clot in one of the arteries in the brain or when the artery bursts that would lead to brain hemorrhage. DrPandian briefed that 80% of the time stroke occurs because of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits. He reemphasized that stroke is a preventable and treatable disease.
DrYashpal Singh Professor of Neurology at CMC Ludhiana said that stroke symptoms can be easily recognized. Patients present with sudden paralysis in one side, sudden trouble speaking, sudden deviation of face, sudden giddiness, loss of vision etc. It is important that patients recognize these symptoms. If they reach CMC within 4 ½ hours they can receive a clot bursting drug called rtPA which can dissolve the clot. He added that in the Comprehensive Stroke Program at CMC over the last 3 years 42 patients have received this particular drug. There is a 24 hour brain attack team available to evaluate these patients. ( Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) (Issued on March 4, 2012)

No comments:

Post a Comment