Importance of “Golden Hour” discussed at the 65th Annual Conference of “Neurological Society of India”

The 65th Annual Conference of Neurological Society of India (NSI) culminated with an interesting and informative Panel Discussion on “Golden Hour”. The panel consisting of Mr. Harish Manian, ‎Chief Operating Officer, Continental Hospitals, Actress Radikaa Sarathkumar, Dr. K. Sridhar, Director, Neurosciences and Spine Disorders at Global Hospitals, Dr. K. Bhanu, Neurologist, Dr. Mehta Hospital and Dr. V. P. Singh, Secretary, Neurological Society of India, discussed the importance of time when it comes to treating patients suffering from Brain Injury. The conversation proved to be educative to the common man on elucidating points to have in mind when an emergency arises regarding stroke or a head injury, which would eventually lead to brain damage. General public and school students also witnessed the discussion.

 Golden Hour Panel Discussion

Golden Hour panelists

Dr. K. Sridhar explained that usually when a person suffers a heart attack they mostly get quite distinctive symptoms life profuse sweating and immense pain in the chest. When it comes to stroke though, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for temporary pain and ignored. 

According to Dr. Bhanu, people usually get a shooting pain in their arm or suddenly feel it go numb, they tend to think that it is just a temporary pain and it will pass. She says “Even it is just a short doctor visit and not a stroke, it is good. But in case it is, there is a good chance there can be a full recovery due to medical help.” 

Mr. Harish Manian pointed out that “Since 80 percent healthcare are private healthcare, corporate hospitals get caught up in the payment for the treatment. They value money more than the life of the patient.” To bring change in the society, his hospital and many other hospitals concentrates on stabilising the patient first and then talk about the money.

“The most important thing is spreading awareness among people”, adds Dr. V.P. Singh. Even if there is a slight doubt that the person is having stroke, the first thing to do is seek medical help. 

The neurologists said that if a patient is rushed into the hospital immediately after the stroke, in that ‘golden hour’ then they can ensure that the patient can get back to their normal self soon. 

Some key points shared:

* First the breathing and BP of the patient to be checked and maintained.

* Rush to the nearby Hospital without taking any chance

* Shift the patient to Specialised Critical Care ASAP

* Must remember FAST: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time. If a person suffers from the first three symptoms, it can be stroke and time should not be wasted any further; patient to be hurried immediately to Hospital. 

* For each minute delayed after stroke/head injury caused by accidents, millions of neurons (brain cells) die, deprived of oxygen. This may eventually lead to brain death.

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65th Annual Conference of “Neurological Society of India” inaugurated

Dr. B. Ramamurthi decorated with Unique British Honour

 Importance of “Golden Hour” to be discussed

 The 3 day Annual Conference of Neurological Society of India (NSI) was formally inaugurated by Dr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal and Dr. S. Geethalakshmi, Vice Chancellor of Dr. MGR Medical University, in Chennai. The conference takes place at ITC Grand Chola, Guindy, from 15th to 18th December 2016.

Over 1200 Neuro-Scientists from India and abroad are participating in this world class conference which has its theme as “Heritage to Modernity: An Inspiring Saga” and is hosted by the Chennai Neuro Association.

In his address, Dr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi said, “I am happy to learn that Chennai has been the city where neuroscience as a specialty developed and grew and got recognized in the early 60s and 70s and continues to lead the way. The doctors from Madras, now known as Chennai, have been pioneers in all spheres of medicines including Neurology. 

He added, “The late Brig. B. Ramamurthi  was one such globally renowned neurosurgeon, author, editor, a pioneer in neurosurgery and often recognized as the Father of Indian Neurosurgery. He set up the Department of Neurosurgery at the Government General Hospital, Chennai in 1950, the Department of Neurosurgery at the Madras Medical College and founded the Institute of Neurology, Madras in the 1970s. Today we relive his memory and pay our tribute to this great doctor and wonderful human being by launching a special Postal Stamp in his honour.”

Dr. Geethalakshmi, Vice Chancellor, Dr. MGR Medical University, in her speech said that it is not surprising that so many Doctors from all over India have converged into Chennai to participate in this 3 day conference which touches upon various aspects of neurology and the advances made. “I am happy to learn and know that India is on par with the best diagnosis and treatment given anywhere in the world. Most of our Doctors have won accolades in neurology and neuro sciences and we have them presenting papers here for the benefit of all the delegates.”

Dr. R.C. Mishra, President of NSI in his opening remarks said, “This conference is special since every delegate will have an opportunity to this unique synthesis of scientific program throughout the conference days. The high impact CME, orations, special lectures, topic based symposia, video sessions, pre conference workshops, and simulation courses are important highlights. The workshops have all started from yesterday and will continue till 18th (Sunday).”

Dr. V.G. Ramesh, Organising Chairman of the conference said, “We have planned for exciting scientific programs which include pre conference workshops on different aspects of neurosciences from live operative workshops to neuro critical care to Intraoperative Electrophysiology. This conference will also witness the 37th Annual Meeting of Indian Neuro Nurses.”

Dr. K. Sridhar, Organising Secretary of NSICON 2016 in his remarks said, “NSI has its origins in Chennai and the growth of neuroscience and its importance is from this city which is known as the ‘Mecca of Medicine’. A galaxy of orators, distinguished luminaries in the field of neurosciences from India and abroad are present at this national meet. We are happy to host The Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), this year and I am delighted that for the 1st time ever, SBNS will accord its highest Medallion of Honour to Prof. B. Ramamurthi, outside of UK.”

Dr. Sridhar added, “India is amongst the most premier places globally when it comes to neurosciences and Chennai has the most number of neuro scientists in the country. The Madras Institute of Neurology (MIN) has several firsts in the country such as starting of stereotactic surgery, being the first comprehensive neurosciences institute with all neuroscience specialties under one roof, first D.M. (Neurology) course, first CT scan in the state government institute and second in a government institute in the whole country after AIIMS, Delhi and highest number of neurologists, neurosurgeons and Ph. Ds. in neurosciences.

He further said, “Another important feature in this conference is a public awareness program titled “The Golden Hour”, will be held on the 18th December 2016 (Sunday). It will educate the common man on the importance of time when it comes to brain injury. A panel comprising of Neuro-Scientists, Government officials as well as prominent members of the Society will discuss the importance of The Golden hour. Genuinely interested public are welcome to attend the meet.”

The Jacob Chandy Oration by Prof. Kenji Ohata – Titled “Advancement is Skull Base Surgery” will be on 17.12.2016, 11.35 am.    

Dr. K. Sridhar, Organising Secretary of NSICON 2016, Dr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former Governor of West Bengal, Dr. S. Geethalakshmi, Vice Chancellor, Dr. MGR Medical University, Dr. R.C. Mishra, President, NSI, Dr. V.G. Ramesh, Organising Chairman, NSICON 2016, Dr. VP Singh, Secretary, NSI, are seen during the commemorative Stamp release of Dr. B. Ramamurthi, Father of Indian Neurosurgery.

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