A call for neurologists to take up stroke intervention

Abstract

Recent data have provided overwhelming evidence in favor of benefits of emergent endovascular intervention in large vessel acute ischemic stroke (AIS). India with its large population has a huge burden of AIS. Hence, neurologists need to gear up to the new challenge of providing interventional care to huge populations of AIS in the country. The best way to cover this unprecedented unmet need is to encourage neurologists to take up interventional subspecialty interests through new but sound training pathways.

Paradigm shift in stroke prevention: Need of the hour

“…I have read with great interest and in depth the review article by Dr. Padma et al . – ”A call for neurologists to take up stroke intervention.”[ 1 ] I wonder whether if is it really a review article or these are more of personal observations of the author and the coauthors. At the onset, we know most of the stroke centers in our country have acute stroke teams.…”

“…The author mentions that the use of thrombolysis for stroke is very low (a dismal 0.5%), taking into consideration these low figures of thrombolysis, the neurologist needs to spend his time and energy to increase the awareness about thrombolysis to the general population. [ 1 ]…”

Endovascular stroke treatment: Is it “everybody's cup of tea?”

“…published in your journal. [ 1 ] The management of stroke is like an upright pyramid with interventionists occupying the apex and catering to perhaps <10% of the entire disease burden, as emphasized in the article. More planning is required to meet the unmet needs at the base.…”