Uppal Neuro Hospital launches 'Mission Brain Attack' to combat stroke

Srinagar, Nov 2: Uppal Neuro Hospital has initiated 'Mission Brain Attack' in Amritsar as part of the World Stroke Awareness Month campaign.

A statement issued here said that the nationwide initiative, originally launched in Varanasi by Indian Stroke Association (ISA) President Dr. Nirmal Surya and Secretary Arvind Sharma, aims to raise stroke awareness among the public and medical practitioners.

Dr Ashok Uppal, founder of Uppal Neuro Hospital at Rani Ka Bagh and Punjab Medical Association member, along with Dr. Salil Uppal, ISA Treasurer, announced that their hospital team will conduct community outreach programs across various locations.

According to Dr Salil Uppal, global statistics indicate that one in four people are at risk of stroke, with three cases occurring every minute. The B-FAST protocol for stroke identification represents Balance loss, Impaired vision, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time-critical response.

"The golden period for stroke treatment is within four and a half hours," Dr Salil explained. "Patients brought to a stroke-ready facility with neurologist, neurosurgeon, and MRI capabilities during this window can avoid disability through TPA injection treatment."

Interventional Neurosurgeon Dr Shikhil Uppal added that mechanical thrombectomy is available at Uppal Neuro Hospital for patients arriving 6-8 hours after onset.

The hospital has also introduced a pre-Stroke Care Ambulance service, equipped with a doctor, stroke nurse, and modern monitoring equipment for blood pressure, sugar, and oxygen levels. "This enables treatment to begin before reaching the hospital, improving recovery prospects," Dr. Ashok Uppal said.