Thiruvananthapuram: A study conducted by a team from the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) revealed that people who have suffered strokes are not keen about taking follow-up treatment. Though 70 per cent continue to take the prescribed medications, only 35 per cent monitor their blood pressure and diabetes every six months, it showed. 

According to experts, 5 to 15 per cent of stroke patients is likely to be affected by the condition again within a year. To avoid this, patients are advised to take follow-up treatment.

Meanwhile, the study was conducted by a team led by Dr Sylaja P. N, head of the Neurology Department, with the help of the Kerala Health Department and Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies (AMCHSS).  Dr. Biju Soman, Dr. Jeemon and Dr. Bipin Gopal are the other team members. The study examined 896 patients in Kollam districts for a period of one year.

Though a patient showing signs of a stroke must be admitted immediately to the hospital, the study reveals that only 10 to 20 per cent report it within four and a half hours. 

"Blood pressure must be brought under control. It is critical to ensure that medications are appropriately administered and that patients do not suffer a stroke for the second time. There is a need to modify dosage by doing tests (I.N.R.) on patients getting high doses of medications after having a stroke caused by a defective heart valve. There is a need to establish anticoagulation clinics in primary health care centres," Dr Sylaja said. 

Furthermore, the study revealed that 70-80 per cent of those who were discharged from the hospitals reduced the use of alcohol and tobacco following awareness campaigns. 

Meanwhile, Kerala's Health Minister Veena George stated that stroke treatment facilities will be strengthened in all districts.