Participants during the state-level seminar held to mark World Stroke Day at LG Hall, CIHSR on October 29.
Dimapur, October 29 (MExN): The Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) organised a one-day state-level seminar, “Stroke Continuum: From Acute Management to Early Rehabilitation – ACT FAST,” on October 29, to mark World Stroke Day at LG Hall, CIHSR.
The combined CME-CNE programme, hosted by the institute's Neuro-rehabilitation Multidisciplinary Team in collaboration with the College of Nursing, CIHSR, brought together doctors, nurses and allied health professionals to examine stroke care beyond the emergency phase, covering rapid recognition, acute management, early rehabilitation and secondary prevention, stated a press lease.
The release said the seminar would provide an “integrated view of the stroke continuum, stressing timely intervention, prevention of complications, multidisciplinary collaboration and early rehabilitation.”
The objectives of the seminar were to recognise the clinical presentation of stroke and the priorities in early assessment; discuss evidence-based principles of acute stroke management and prevention of complications; explain the importance of early rehabilitation in promoting functional recovery; and identify the role of nursing and multidisciplinary teams in ensuring continuity of care and secondary prevention.
Dr Pideno S Ngullie, DM Neurology, Nikos Hospital, spoke on evidence-based medical management in the golden hour, followed by Dr C Simeon, MCh Neurosurgery, Nikos Hospital, on the neurosurgical approach to acute stroke. Dr Abhishek Kumar Sanyal, Consultant PMR at Pipili Health Institute, THEE Trust, Puri, addressed early rehabilitation and functional outcomes.
Other sessions included reproductive, sexual and hormonal health after acquired brain injury in women, by Dr Ashima Sarkhel, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Pipili Health Institute. Imliyangla, Associate Professor and LDU Lead at CIHSR, spoke on the role of nurses in stroke recovery and transitions, while Nchumbeni Y Jungio, Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at CIHSR, covered cognitive and emotional behaviour in post-stroke rehabilitation.
The programme closed with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Toshimenla on “The Hidden Delay: Quacks, Faith Healers and the Missed Opportunities in Stroke Care,” which examined how delayed hospital arrival affects outcomes. The panel highlighted how seeking help from unqualified practitioners or caregivers can delay timely medical intervention, potentially resulting in preventable complications, long-term disability, or permanent neurological damage.
Panellists also emphasised the importance of a culturally sensitive and collaborative approach to stroke care, recognising the significant role that faith, religion and traditional practices play in many individuals' lives. Rather than alienating patients from their religious and cultural beliefs, the discussion explored ways to engage faith healers and integrate harmless religious practices as complementary sources of emotional and spiritual support.
However, panellists stressed that such practices must never replace or delay evidence-based medical treatment. The discussion underscored the vital role of healthcare providers, particularly nurses, in educating the public about stroke prevention and early recognition.
Community awareness of warning signs such as sudden facial drooping, weakness or numbness of the arm, and speech difficulties is essential to ensuring that patients reach appropriate medical facilities without delay. Educating the public about stroke risk factors, the importance of seeking emergency care, and the availability of treatment options can help reduce preventable disability and improve outcomes. As frontline healthcare professionals, nurses are particularly well positioned to bridge the gap between healthcare services and communities through health education, early identification and timely referral.
The overarching message was clear: recognising stroke early, reaching the hospital promptly, and ensuring access to evidence-based treatment can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Community education, culturally sensitive engagement, and collaboration between healthcare professionals and community and religious leaders are essential to achieving this goal.
