Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In India, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, and a stroke-related death happens every four minutes. Significant advances in stroke management have extended the critical treatment window to up to 24 hours. This breakthrough has significantly improved stroke care and offers new hope to patients who would otherwise be outside the traditional treatment timeframe.

Understanding Stroke

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types: ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage in an artery, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain. Rapid treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and improve outcomes.

Traditional Treatment Window

Historically, the window for treating ischemic stroke with intravenous thrombolysis has been limited to within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to physically remove the clot, was initially recommended within six hours. These narrow windows often meant that many patients, particularly those who had strokes during sleep or were unable to get to a hospital quickly, missed out on these life-saving treatments.

Advances in Neurointervention

Recent advances in neurointerventional techniques have dramatically extended the treatment window for ischemic stroke to up to 24 hours. These techniques include advanced imaging technologies that can identify salvageable brain tissue, allowing doctors to make more informed decisions about who can benefit from late treatment.

Advanced imaging technologies, such as perfusion CT and MRI scans, help identify the “penumbra” – brain tissue that is at risk but still salvageable. This enables doctors to extend the window for mechanical thrombectomy safely. Mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure, involves threading a catheter through an artery to the site of the blockage in the brain, where a stent retriever is used to remove the clot.

Recent studies have shown that thrombectomy can be effective up to 24 hours after stroke onset in select patients. Perfusion imaging assesses blood flow in the brain and identifies areas with reduced but not yet irreversible damage, helping in selecting patients who would benefit from late intervention.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising advancements, several challenges remain. Access to advanced imaging and neurointerventional facilities is still limited in many parts of India. Additionally, there is a need for increased awareness and education among the public and healthcare providers about the signs of stroke and the importance of timely treatment.

The extension of the treatment window for stroke to 24 hours marks a significant leap forward in stroke care, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and innovation in medical science. This advancement translates to improved outcomes and reduced disability for patients, offering a better quality of life post-stroke. As neurointerventional techniques continue to evolve, the ability to treat patients up to 24 hours after stroke onset is a game-changer, promising a brighter future for stroke survivors.

Dr Sumit Goyal is Director & Head of Department, Neurosurgery, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

Dr Sumit Goyal