More than 70 per cent of patients who come to the hospital for acute stroke are older than age 65
by Suman Gupta
Navi Mumbai, 5 March 2024: Stroke is among the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. While strokes can occur in individuals of all ages, the risk of stroke increases with age, doubling every decade after the age of 55. More than 70 per cent of patients who come to the hospital for acute stroke are older than age 65. this remarkable story proves it. At 93 years young, resilient, Mr. Jawaharlal Fotedar (Stroke patient), defied the odds and emerged victorious against acute stroke through intravenous thrombolysis at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. This case proves that age is no criterion when it comes to treating even the oldest old stroke patients. The patient, a resident of CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai with a history of hypertension and Parkinson’s disease, presented with left hemiparesis (weakness on the left side) and slurred speech. He was immediately taken up for treatment by Dr. Vishal Chafale, Consultant, Interventional Neurology and Dr. Shekhar Patil, Senior Consultant – Adult & Paediatric Neurology. He underwent intravenous thrombolysis and made a remarkable recovery.
Dr. Vishal Chafale, Consultant Interventional Neurology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai said, “This case highlights the importance of not just timely intervention, but also the need to understand that age should not be a barrier in stroke treatment. The critical factor in stroke management is time. Intravenous thrombolysis involves delivering a ‘clot-busting’ medicine to dissolve the blood clot causing the stroke and restoring blood flow to the brain. It’s most effective when given soon after stroke symptoms start, ideally within 4.5 hours. In people over 80 years of age, this window period is 3 hours. The recovery of the patient in this case underscores the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis, even in patients over the age of 90.”
Dr. Chafale, added, “Recognising stroke symptoms promptly can be lifesaving. Symptoms like sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulties, and loss of coordination signal the urgent need for medical intervention for an ongoing stroke. Early diagnosis and initiation of the right treatment is crucial in stroke management. This successful intervention is a testament to Apollo Hospitals’ expertise in handling complex neurological cases even in the oldest of old patients. Our AI enabled stroke protocol reduces treatment time by increasing accuracy of diagnoses and treatment decision.”
Mr. Jawaharlal Fotedar (Stroke patient) said, “I never imagined I’d be facing a stroke at 93, but here I am, grateful to be alive and well. The care I received at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai was truly exceptional. Despite my age and health history, the doctors and the clinical team responded swiftly and effectively. Thanks to their expertise and dedication, I have made a remarkable recovery. This experience has taught me that age truly is just a number when it comes to receiving quality healthcare.”
Mr. Santosh Marathe, Regional CEO Western Region, Apollo Hospitals said, “Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai (AHNM) continues to lead in innovative and effective stroke treatment. AHNM provides immediate & easy access to emergency health care to the patients needing early intervention. The remarkable recovery of the 93-year-old patient at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai is a milestone in stroke care. The emergency, critical care & full-time neurosciences team’s capabilities are utilised in such complex neurological cases. It highlights the importance of timely treatment and the effectiveness of interventional neurology. This case showcases our advanced capabilities in treating stroke and proves that age is indeed just a number. AHNM is a stroke ready hospital with 24/7 emergency services with prompt ambulance services. Our emergency specialists conduct Basic Life Support (BLS) trainings for community members at various locations in Navi Mumbai, Thane and Raigad to help save lives in the critical golden hour.”
