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What is a Stroke? Understanding Its Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Dr. Shruti Satish Vadke
6 Min Read
Jun 04, 2025
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves - the command centres of the body. Any issue in this system can lead to problems with movement, memory, speech, coordination, or even consciousness. At Manipal Hospital Baner, we specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions, offering both medical and surgical solutions under one roof. With a patient-first approach, we are proud to be known as the best neurology hospital in Baner, Pune.
Here’s what makes us one of the best choices for neurology in Baner:
Highly Experienced Neurologists
Our doctors are trained at premier institutes and have vast experience treating patients with complex neurological issues.
Advanced Diagnostic Tools
We use world-class technology like MRI, CT scans, EEG, Video EEG, EMG, and Nerve Conduction Studies for accurate diagnosis.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Our team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychologists, physiotherapists, and rehabilitation experts, so you receive well-rounded care.
Patient-Centric Care
We listen, we care, and we create individualised treatment plans based on each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.
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Whether you need to be admitted to our hospital for a serious neurological condition, or come in for a day procedure, our high precision diagnostic equipment help our neurology team to prescribe the best mode of treatment. That’s why patients trust Manipal Hospitals with precise diagnosis.
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EEG or Electroencephalogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the brain and brain wave patterns.
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After confirming stroke, a neurologist will prescribe a series of scans, tests, and examinations to identify the way a stroke has affected the neurological system. The standard battery of tests will include MRIs, CT scans, Ultrasound, blood draws, angiograms and echocardiograms. These tests will shed light on the severity of the stroke as well as the…
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The human mind is an intricate web of emotions, thoughts and behaviours. Similarly, the brain operates through electric signals that influence our actions. This intriguing combination is what our immensely talented neurologists and neuropsychologists at Manipal Hospitals handle on a daily basis.
Neurology is the medical field that focuses on the nervous system, which includes
Brain - Controls thoughts, emotions, movement, and memory
Spinal Cord - The body’s message highway; it carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body
Nerves - These branch out from the spinal cord and control muscles, pain, touch, and sensation
A doctor who specialises in treating diseases of this system is called a neurologist.
Neurological Conditions We Treat – In Detail
Let’s explore each major neurological disorder, explained in easy-to-understand language:
1. Stroke (Brain Attack)
What is it?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain stops, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells begin to die in minutes.
Common Symptoms:
Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side
Slurred speech or trouble understanding others
Loss of vision in one or both eyes
Trouble walking or loss of balance
Facial drooping (smile becomes uneven)
Real-life example: Imagine suddenly being unable to lift your arm or speak clearly — that’s how a stroke feels.
Treatment: Immediate hospitalisation, clot-busting drugs, physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery.
2. Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)
What is it?
A condition where the brain produces sudden bursts of electrical activity, causing seizures. Not all seizures involve convulsions.
Types of Seizures:
Generalised seizures: Affect the whole brain (may involve shaking or unconsciousness)
Focal seizures: Begin in one part of the brain (may cause twitching or staring)
Symptoms:
Jerking movements
Loss of awareness
Blank staring spells
Strange smells, tastes, or feelings before a seizure (called an aura)
Treatment: Anti-epileptic medication, dietary therapy (like ketogenic diet), and in some cases, brain surgery or Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).
3. Parkinson’s Disease
What is it?
A long-term disorder where a part of the brain that controls movement becomes damaged due to a loss of dopamine, a chemical messenger.
Symptoms:
Tremors (shaking of hands or fingers)
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
Muscle stiffness
Stooped posture and difficulty walking
Expressionless face (reduced facial movements)
Real-life impact: A person may take small, shuffling steps and find it hard to start or stop walking.
Treatment:
Medications to increase dopamine levels
Physical therapy
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – an advanced surgical option available at our centre
4. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias
What is it?
A progressive condition that slowly destroys memory and thinking ability. It’s the most common form of dementia.
Symptoms:
Memory loss (especially recent events)
Difficulty finding words
Getting lost in familiar places
Trouble handling money or following instructions
Personality or behaviour changes
Difference between ageing and dementia:
Forgetting where you kept your keys = normal ageing.
Forgetting what keys are used for = possible dementia.
Treatment: There is no cure, but early treatment can slow progression and improve quality of life.
5. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
What is it?
An autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerves (called myelin), disrupting communication between the brain and the body.
Symptoms:
Tingling or numbness
Muscle weakness or spasms
Blurred or double vision
Trouble with balance or walking
Fatigue and cognitive difficulties
Types of MS:
Relapsing-remitting: Episodes of new symptoms followed by recovery
Progressive MS: Gradual worsening without clear relapses
Treatment: Immunotherapy drugs, corticosteroids, lifestyle changes, and physiotherapy.
6. Peripheral Neuropathy
What is it?
Damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord — often due to diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, or alcoholism.
Symptoms:
Burning, tingling, or stabbing pain (especially in hands/feet)
Numbness or “pins and needles” sensation
Weakness
Loss of balance
Ulcers in the feet (in severe cases)
Common in:
Diabetics (diabetic neuropathy)
People with vitamin B12 deficiency
TB or leprosy patients
Treatment: Blood sugar control, nerve pain medication, foot care, and physical therapy.
To treat a neurological problem, it’s crucial to first understand what’s going wrong. We offer:
MRI/CT Scan
High-quality images of the brain & spine to detect strokes, tumours, bleeding, etc.
EEG (Electroencephalogram)
Records the brain’s electrical activity – used to diagnose epilepsy.
EMG/NCS
Measures nerve and muscle function – detects nerve damage.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
Checks brain and spinal fluid for infections, inflammation.
Blood Tests
Detect autoimmune, metabolic, or nutritional causes of nerve damage.
Treatments We Offer
Medicines – For epilepsy, Parkinson’s, MS, migraines, and more
Surgery – For tumours, hydrocephalus, epilepsy (when drugs don’t help)
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – For Parkinson’s, essential tremors
Rehabilitation – Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy
Lifestyle Counselling – For managing stress, diet, sleep, and emotional health
Neurology is a branch of medicine that deals with treating and diagnosing diseases and disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, nerves, spinal cord, and muscles. To know more, visit the best neurology hospital in Pune.
A neurologist at the best neurology hospital in Pune is a highly trained specialist who treats conditions of the brain, Spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Some of the common neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, migraine, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Get the best treatment at the top neurology hospital in Pune.
The symptoms of a neurological disorder vary depending on the severity and type of the condition. Some common symptoms such as memory loss, headaches, tremors, numbness or weakness in limbs, seizures, and changes in speech or vision. Consult with the best neurologist in Pune to get the finest treatment for neurological disorders.
Neurological disorders are diagnosed with the help of physical and neurological exams, medical history, as well as imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. In some cases, a spinal tap or EEG may also be performed. Get the finest neurology treatment with the help of neurology doctors in Pune.
The treatment for neurological disorders varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some neurological disorders can be treated with surgery, medication, or rehabilitation. In other cases, treatment may focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. To know more, arrive at the best neurology hospital in Pune and get the finest treatment.
Yes, neurological treatments have side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, headache, dizziness, and changes in mood or behaviour. It's important to discuss potential side effects with a neurologist before starting treatment.
Yes, there are alternative treatments available for some neurological conditions such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, physical therapy, and dietary changes. However, the effectiveness of alternative treatments varies and it's important to discuss with a brain doctor before starting.
Managing symptoms of a neurological disorder at home may include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding triggers, managing stress, taking medication as prescribed, and following a treatment plan. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations at the neurology specialist hospital in Pune.
The frequency of follow-up appointments with a top neurologist in Pune depends on the individual's specific condition and treatment plan. It may range from monthly to annually. Regular check-ins with the neurologist are essential to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves - the command centres of the body. Any issue in this system can lead to problems with movement, memory, speech, coordination, or even consciousness.
At Manipal Hospital Baner, we specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions, offering both medical and surgical solutions under one roof. With a patient-first approach, we are proud to be known as the best neurology hospital in Baner, Pune.