Breaking News:Cold Wave Triggers Surge in Brain Stroke Cases in Ranchi Hospitals | Ranchi News– What Just Happened

Ranchi: The intense cold wave prevailing across the state has resulted in a surge in brain stroke cases, with major hospitals reporting an increase in patient inflow compared to the pre-winter period. Neurology departments, intensive care units and emergency services are witnessing a continuous rise in stroke-related admissions.At Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), hospital records indicate that around 10 to 15 patients with brain stroke symptoms are visiting the neurology department daily. This figure stood at just 2 to 4 cases per day before the onset of winter.

Head of the department of neurology, Rims, Dr Surendra Kumar, said, “Negligence in managing hypertension during extreme cold conditions is proving fatal in several cases. The sudden drop in temperature leads to constriction of blood vessels, resulting in elevated blood pressure levels, which increases the risk of serious complications such as brain stroke and cardiac events. A large number of patients, who arrive with stroke symptoms, also have a history of unmanaged or poorly controlled hypertension.”At Sadar Hospital, cases increased by nearly 20 to 30% during the ongoing cold wave. Neurologist at Sadar Hospital, Dr Vikas Kumar, said, “While an average of five stroke patients earlier reported daily, the number has increased to around 10. The neurology ward, ICU and emergency departments continue to witness a steady rise in such cases. While stroke was earlier common among people above 45 years of age, individuals between 25 and 45 years are now increasingly being affected.”Senior consultant (neurology) of Bhagwan Mahavir Manipal Hospitals, Dr Deepak Chandra Prakash, said, “Stroke incidence during winter rises by nearly 30% due to cold-induced physiological changes. The hospital recorded a surge in brain stroke admissions, with around three to four patients are being admitted on a daily basis. Elderly individuals above 50 years remain the most vulnerable, with intracerebral haemorrhage being more prevalent in winter, while ischaemic strokes show a relatively steady occurrence throughout the year with a slight seasonal increase.”Medical professionals observed that the winter season amplifies the impact of hypertension, making it a critical factor behind the rising number of severe neurological and cardiac cases being reported across healthcare facilities.According to experts, the extreme cold leads to a rise in blood pressure and thickening of blood, which adversely affects blood circulation to the brain and increases the risk of stroke. Uncontrolled hypertension, high cholesterol levels and unhealthy lifestyle patterns are major contributing factors. The initial 3 to 6 hours after the onset of symptoms, often referred to as the golden hour, are crucial, as delays during this period can result in permanent paralysis or long-term disability.