BHUBANESWAR, AUG 21
The inaugural ‘KIMS Neuro Update 2024,’ hosted at KIMS under the auspices of the Neurology Association of Odisha, brought together leading neurology experts from across India. The conference provided a platform for discussing the latest advancements and research in the field.
Among the distinguished speakers was Prof. P. Satishchandra, a prominent epileptologist and professor emeritus at KIMS.
Prof. Satishchandra shared valuable insights on stroke prevention and treatment, underscoring the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and acting promptly. He introduced the ‘BE FAST’ acronym to help identify stroke signs: sudden Loss of Balance (B), trouble seeing in both eyes (E), Facial drooping (F), Arm weakness (A), Speech difficulty (S), and Time to call emergency services (T).
“Whenever you observe any of these symptoms, treat it as a potential stroke and seek immediate medical attention at a facility with advanced stroke capabilities, like KIMS, within three hours,” Prof. Satishchandra advised. “This timeframe allows one hour for doctors to conduct necessary diagnostics, such as MRI, and administer a ‘magic drug’ that could potentially reverse the stroke if given within four hours.” He noted that stroke is a prevalent neurological disorder in India, particularly among those over 60, though it can also affect younger individuals.
Prof. Satishchandra emphasized key risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic heart disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption. “Regular check-ups after the age of 40 are crucial for early detection and management of these conditions,” he urged. “Preventing a stroke is far more effective than treating one.”
The conference saw participation from over 100 esteemed neurologists from across the country. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, who was thanked by the Neurology Association of Odisha for his support.
Notable neurologists such as Prof. Satish Khadilkar from Bombay Hospital, Prof. S.R. Chandra from Trivandrum, Prof. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS New Delhi, and Associate Professor Dr. Santosh Dash from KIMS, among others, delivered presentations at the event.
The conference highlighted recent advances in neurology, including neuroimaging, movement disorders, stroke management, epilepsy, and migraine treatment. It featured interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, case discussions, and engaging Q&A sessions, offering a comprehensive learning experience for all attendees.
The event promoted collaboration and knowledge exchange among neurologists from different regions, setting a high standard for future medical conferences. The experience left a lasting impression, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and development in the field of neurology.