MB Hospital ensures immediate treatment for stroke patients
MB Hospital has expanded its emergency services to include paralytic stroke patients, following the provision of Free Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) injections under the Nirogi Rajasthan initiative led by Chief Minister. An emergency meeting was convened on Tuesday 29 August, 2023, chaired by Superintendent Dr. RL Suman, with the participation of Neurologist Dr. Tarun Ralot and Medicine Department Chairman Dr. Gurdeep Kaur. The outcome of the meeting resulted in a protocol where patients arriving within the first 8 hours after a stroke will be directly admitted to the Neurology Department for immediate treatment. Subsequent patients will be accommodated in the Medicine ICU.
It is worth mentioning that the hospital witnesses an average of eight to ten patients each month who, due to lack of awareness, fail to seek timely intervention from a neurologist. A stroke manifests as abrupt paralysis, characterized by facial paralysis, limb numbness, and speech difficulties. Swift hospitalization within 4 to 5 hours of onset can lead to a full recovery for the patient. Paralysis tends to affect individuals in their advanced years, particularly those with hypertension, diabetes, kidney ailments, and a history of smoking.
Dr. Suman explained that previously, TPA injections, priced at Rs 50,000, were sourced from the market. However, these injections are now made available at no charge by the government. In instances where patients arrive slightly beyond the initial 8-hour window, a mechanical thumping procedure utilizing SSB's Deesa machine will be initiated. Previously limited to Chronic Cases Intervention, this treatment method is now extended to encompass rapid stroke patients as well.