Stroke is the second biggest cause of human death in the world after cardiac failure, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, eminent neurosurgeon and Principal Advisor (Health Sciences) at Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University here said on Tuesday.

Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is stopped due to any reason including narrowed blood vessel, bleeding or a blood clot.

If head injuries occur affecting the brain, the victim suffers paralysis, loses sight or the ability to speak and often goes into coma, Prof. (Dr.) Mahapatra said while addressing a program organised at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital on the occasion of World Stroke Day.

He said that high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity were the main causes for brain stroke for which people need to change their lifestyle urgently .

Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, said that prompt treatment could help stroke victims to recover.

Prof. (Dr.) Srikanta Sahu, Head of Department of Neurology, said he had proposed the establishment of a Stroke Clinic in the hospital for treatment of serious patients. Prof. (Dr.) Lulup Kumar Sahu, who organised the program, said that a Stroke Team with a Stroke Coordinator would go a long way in the treatment of patients. He said that the Stroke Team would ensure that there would be no delay in treatment of patients.

Dr. Srimanta Sahu, Associate Professor and Dr. Anil Sahu, Assistant Professor in the department, also addressed the gathering. A walkathon was organised in the morning to mark the occasion.