November 9, 2011
School of Medicine, Kochi
 

The Department of Stroke Medicine at the Health Sciences campus in Kochi organized a one-day seminar on modern concepts of management of stroke to mark the observation of World Stroke Day on October 29, 2011.
 

“Many individuals suffer from strokes but do not know where to go to access quality medical care,” remarked Dr. R. Kirthivasan, Professor and Head of the Department of Stroke Medicine.
 

“We are taking this occasion to highlight the importance of the comprehensive stroke care program at Amrita and the difference it makes.”
 

“Our multi-disciplinary stroke care program at Amrita is designed especially to look after stroke victims and reduce cases of disability or death due to strokes.”
 

Currently, the Department of Stroke Medicine offers 24-hour thrombolysis services, neurosurgical backup, TIA clinic, anticoagulation advise services and an exclusive stroke ICU.
 

Outlining future plans, Dr. Kirthivasan noted, “We need to go into the evidence that is currently available in stroke medicine and study Western practices to determine whether similar standards and guidelines are needed in India.”
 

Renowned Film Director, Sri. Ranjith and the Honorable District Collector of Kochi, Mr. P. I. Sheikh Pareed were invited as guests of honor on the occasion.
 

The Amrita faculty enlightened attending students and medical professionals on various aspects of multi-disciplinary and evidence-based stroke care.
 

Dr. Sreekrishnan T.P., Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine spoke about the challenges in emergency processes, elaborating on the 7 Ds or stroke chain of survival.
 

“The 7 Ds are detection, dispatch, delivery, door, data, decision and drug therapy,” he noted. “For successful treatment and rehabilitation of stroke victims, therapeutic vacuum at all stages of chain of survival should be reduced.”
 

Dr. K.U. Natarajan, Professor in the Department of Cardiology highlighted risk factors.
 

“Stroke can have devastating consequences unless we diligently monitor it,” he emphasized. “Both primary and secondary prevention measures are needed.”