Mangaluru: KMC Hospital Mangaluru has successfully treated a 94-year-old woman who suffered an acute ischemic stroke, highlighting the importance of timely medical intervention in stroke care. The patient underwent an emergency mechanical thrombectomy, enabling her to regain mobility and recover well despite her advanced age.
The case underscores the principle that “Time is Brain”, emphasising that prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients, irrespective of age.
Stroke diagnosed within minutes of arrival
The patient was brought to KMC Hospital Mangaluru within 30 minutes of developing sudden weakness on the left side of her body, a common warning sign of stroke.
The hospital’s stroke team, led by Dr. Rohit Pai, Consultant Neurologist, and Dr. Keerthiraj B, Interventional Neuroradiologist, immediately initiated evaluation.
An MRI scan confirmed an acute ischemic stroke caused by a blockage in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA), a major blood vessel supplying areas of the brain responsible for movement, sensation, and speech.
To determine the exact location and extent of the blockage, doctors performed Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). The imaging revealed a clot completely blocking the right internal carotid artery, with the obstruction extending into the middle cerebral artery, significantly restricting blood flow to the brain.
Emergency procedure restores blood flow
After obtaining consent from the patient’s family, the multidisciplinary stroke team performed an emergency mechanical thrombectomy within an hour of her arrival at the hospital.
The minimally invasive procedure involved guiding a catheter through a blood vessel to the blocked artery in the brain and removing the clot to restore normal blood circulation.
The patient responded well to the treatment and, by the time of discharge, was able to walk with support, showing significant recovery from the paralysis caused by the stroke.
‘Time is Brain’ in stroke treatment
Explaining the importance of rapid treatment, Dr. Rohit Pai, Consultant Neurologist, said every minute is crucial during a stroke.
“Stroke is a medical emergency where every minute matters. Age alone should never prevent patients from receiving advanced stroke treatment. Early hospital arrival, rapid diagnosis, and timely intervention can significantly improve recovery, as demonstrated by this patient’s excellent outcome,” he said.
Dr. Keerthiraj B, Interventional Neuroradiologist, noted that mechanical thrombectomy has become the standard treatment for selected patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by blockage of a major brain artery.
“Mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow by removing the clot before irreversible brain damage occurs. This case highlights that with prompt treatment and favourable clinical conditions, even patients in their nineties can achieve meaningful recovery. Time truly is brain,” he said.
Comprehensive stroke care
According to the hospital, mechanical thrombectomy offers the best outcomes when performed quickly, as doctors estimate that nearly 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during an untreated stroke.
The successful treatment reflects KMC Hospital Mangaluru’s comprehensive stroke care programme, which combines rapid diagnosis, advanced brain imaging, 24/7 neurological and neurointerventional expertise, and minimally invasive treatment.
Doctors also stressed the importance of recognising early warning signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention, noting that timely treatment can mean the difference between permanent disability and recovery.