Neurologists are saying that the dipping temperatures have led to a threefold increase in stroke cases, especially the ischemic than hemorrhaging type.
After winter diarrhoea, dysentery, upper respiratory diseases, the city is seeing a spurt in stroke cases, say neurologists. Some say the dipping temperatures in the city are to be blamed, as a viral infection could have resulted in this 30% to 35% increase in the number of cases.
Dr PP Ashok, head of the neurology department, PD Hinduja Hospital said, “This year, we have seen a 30% rise in stroke cases. Normally, it is not this bad during winter but weather seems to be playing havoc.”
Neurologists are saying that the dipping temperatures have led to a threefold increase in stroke cases, especially the ischemic than hemorrhaging type.
“In last two to three weeks, I have got at least 70% more stroke cases. The reason behind this spurt is not known, as 50% of the cases are of people aged between 30 and 40 and many of them do not even have a history of blood pressure, diabetes etc,” said Dr Vinay Chauhan, neurologist, Lilavati Hospital.
According to doctors, whenever there is exposure to extreme cold, we tend to lose body temperature through the skin.
“Because there is a huge difference in temperature of your body (37 degrees Celsius) and the temperature outside (around 12-13 degrees Celsius), to conserve heat, our body constricts the vessels near the skin. This raises our blood pressure. This constriction leads to a lot of people developing leaking blood vessels in the brain. This causes brain haemorrhage like stroke,” Ashok said.
Experts say that blood pressure in such weather should be less than 140/90. In diabetics, who have more fragile vessels, it should be 120/80. If it goes above 180/110, it is alarming and the patient should immediately see a doctor.
“It is not just people with history of high blood pressure who are at risk during such weather. Even others, including youngsters, should monitor their blood pressure. Chances of survival after a brain haemorragic stroke are 50%. It is, therefore, always advisable not to expose oneself suddenly from hot weather to very cold temperatures,” Ashok added.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}