December 6th, 2024 – Stroke, a medical condition often associated with older adults, is now alarmingly on the rise among Karnataka’s young population. Driven by factors such as poor lifestyle choices, chronic stress, and environmental influences, the state is witnessing an increasing number of stroke cases in individuals as young as their late teens. These strokes frequently lead to severe neurological deficits, forcing survivors to confront physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Early intervention and rehabilitation are proving essential in addressing this growing epidemic, as demonstrated by the remarkable recovery of a 19-year-old boy.
The young second-year engineering student’s life changed dramatically during a routine gym session. While lifting weights, he suffered a stroke, leaving him with locked-in syndrome—a rare neurological condition characterized by near-total paralysis, where communication is limited to eye movements. For his family, the incident was devastating, as their once-active son was suddenly left immobile and dependent.
Dr. Dheeraj Adiga, a PM&R Specialist at HCAH Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, Bangalore emphasized the critical role of early rehabilitation: “The golden period of recovery is vital for stroke patients, as it leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity to rebuild and relearn lost functions. Our individualized approach and tailored solutions, particularly for young adults, have proven effective. In this case, we successfully removed the tracheostomy in a record time of just 50 days—something many hospitals had deemed impossible. This young patient’s remarkable recovery underscores the impact of timely intervention and comprehensive care.”
Stroke survivors frequently experience various neurological deficits, including motor impairments like paralysis (hemiplegia), weakness (hemiparesis), spasticity, ataxia, and dysphagia, as well as sensory deficits such as numbness, tingling, loss of proprioception, and visual impairments. These challenges can significantly hinder their ability to perform daily tasks and maintain independence.
Dr. Gaurav Thukral, Co-founder & COO of HCAH Recovery and Rehabilitation Center, stated, “This case was one of the most complex we’ve encountered, featuring rare extrapyramidal symptoms and hyperextension of limbs that severely hindered the patient’s ability to stand, complicating stroke recovery. Our multidisciplinary team, led by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists, effectively navigated these challenges using innovative medications aimed at restoring crucial brain hormones, resulting in transformative outcomes. This highlights our commitment to expertise, innovation, and a patient-centred approach. At HCAH, we strive not only to restore mobility but also to instil hope and enhance the quality of life for our patients. In this rare case of bleeding in the hind brain, we achieved what seemed impossible: facilitating one of the fastest recoveries by helping the young man regain mobility and independence within weeks.”
Vivek Srivastava, Founder and CEO of HCAH India, expressed his commitment to purposefulness in healthcare, stating, “At HCAH, we are dedicated to reducing avoidable disabilities and ensuring the fastest recovery for our patients. Our team’s unwavering dedication and innovative approaches allow us to achieve remarkable outcomes that many thought impossible. I am incredibly proud of our team, whose expertise and compassion drive our mission to transform lives and restore hope.“
The first 90 days following a stroke, often called the “golden period,” are crucial for recovery. During this time, the brain’s neuroplasticity—the capacity to reorganize and create new neural pathways—is at its peak, providing patients with the best opportunity to regain lost functions. At HCAH, the multidisciplinary team (MDT) took a holistic approach to the young man’s rehabilitation, addressing both his physical and emotional needs. The treatments focused on cognitive, sensory, swallowing, speech, motor recovery, and mobility, ensuring a comprehensive strategy that maximized his chances for a successful recovery.
The young man’s mother expressed profound gratitude for his son’s recovery, stating, “When my son suffered a stroke, our world fell apart. Watching him struggle to move or speak was heartbreaking. However, the team at HCAH restored our hope. They didn’t just treat him; they brought him back to life. Today, he can walk with support, eat orally, and produce understandable words. Seeing him take his first steps again has been a miracle, and we will forever be grateful for their exceptional care and dedication.”
As Karnataka continues to grapple with the rising tide of strokes among its youth, centers like HCAH Recovery and Rehabilitation stand as beacons of hope, offering life-changing care and helping patients reclaim their independence and quality of life.
