Stroke Update

Pakistan Stroke Society organized Stroke Update – One Day Symposium at RMI. Renowned neurologists of the country talked about the etiology, management modalities and preventive measures. Public awareness was declared to be essential for early diagnosis and better prognosis. Dr. Sardar Alam presently working as a Neurologist at RMI dilated on the signs and symptoms of the stroke. He described that major symptoms of stroke are numbness, weakness of face, arms and legs on one side of the body, inability to speak, double vision and loss of consciousness.

Various etiologic factors were discussed by Professor Dr. Saad Shafqat, AKUH Karachi. Hypertension, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol levels are major risk factors. He also dilated that information to public about the disease can help early approach of the patient to medical facility and minimize the mortality.

Physicians were advised not to underestimate the chances of good outcome and patients usually show considerable recovery. Early use of Aspirin reduced the risk of second stroke. Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in preventing complications from inactivity. Professor Dr. Syed Athar Enam Khan of AKUH Karachi said that CT Scan within 30 minutes of stroke attack increased the chances of recovery by 95 %. He also discussed the importance of MRI in stroke patients and briefed doctors about the latest methods of Neurosurgery.

Professor Dr. Miqdad Ali Khan, Consultant Cardiologist and Interventionalist, of RMI added that it was third biggest cause of death in USA. He discussed various interventional techniques including Carotid stenting in such patients. He has recently returned from USA and is an expert in Carotid Stenting.
Finally Dr. Waheed Sahibzada underlined the importance of holding such informative symposia to control the disease in the region.