Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar Saves 45-Year-Old Man from Rare, Life-Threatening Stroke with Advanced Procedure

Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar Saves 45-Year-Old Man from Rare, Life-Threatening Stroke with Advanced Procedure  

Amritsar, 15 February, 2026: Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar has successfully saved the life of a 45-year-old man who was suffering from a severe and rare form of ischemic stroke, a condition that carries a very high risk of death or permanent disability if not treated promptly. The life-saving treatment was carried out by a multidisciplinary team of doctors led by Dr. Manik Mahajan, Additional Director – Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar, showcasing the hospital’s advanced stroke care capabilities and rapid-response expertise. 

The patient was rushed to the Emergency Department of the hospital with sudden onset of complete paralysis of the left arm and leg, slurred speech, and confusion for nearly three and a half hours. He was immediately evaluated by Dr. Manik Mahajan, following which an urgent CT scan of the brain revealed acute ischemic changes in the right Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) territory with no evidence of bleeding. A follow-up imaging test confirmed a complete blockage in a major blood vessel supplying the brain, along with another critical brain artery. Medical studies show that blockage of this main brain artery can be fatal in nearly 50–69% of cases if not treated in time. Even with treatment, only about 10% of patients regain full normal function. The situation becomes even more serious when the artery wall is torn and two major blockages occur simultaneously, a very rare condition seen in less than 0.5% of stroke cases, and one that is extremely difficult to treat. 

The patient was immediately administered intravenous alteplase –a clot-dissolving therapy in accordance with international stroke guidelines. He was then taken up for an emergency endovascular procedure by the hospital’s Neuro-Intervention Team led by Dr. Trimaan Singh Sikand, Consultant, Neuro Intervention. An initial brain imaging test showed a tear in the major blood vessel supplying the brain, along with blockages in two critical brain arteries at the same time. Dr Trimaan then carried out an endovascular procedure to remove the clots and place a small stent to repair the damaged artery and restore normal blood flow to the brain. The procedure was done under local anesthesia, and normal blood flow was fully restored within one hour, helping prevent permanent brain damage and ensuring the patient’s recovery. 

Due to timely intervention and coordinated teamwork involving neurologists, neuro-interventionists, neurosurgeons, and neuro-intensivists, the patient began showing signs of neurological recovery the very  next morning. He was discharged within five days of hospitalization, reflecting a significantly shorter recovery period. At the time of discharge, the patient was conscious, oriented, able to sit, understand, speak clearly, and walk with support. Without this timely and advanced intervention, the patient would likely not have survived or would have remained permanently bedridden. 

Giving details of the case, by Dr. Manik Mahajan, Additional Director Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar said, “Stroke is a true medical emergency where every minute matters. In this case, the patient had a rare and highly dangerous form of stroke involving blockage of major brain arteries along with a tear in the vessel wall, which significantly increases the risk of death or lifelong disability. Immediate diagnosis and rapid decision-making were crucial. Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy is among the most advanced stroke treatments available today, allowing doctors to reach the brain through small catheters inserted via blood vessels, remove the clot safely, and repair the diseased artery without open surgery. Timely restoration of blood flow prevents permanent brain damage. The patient’s remarkable recovery highlights the importance of early hospital arrival, coordinated teamwork, and access to advanced stroke care.” 

Mr Yogesh Joshi, Facility Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar said, “The patient’s recovery is a powerful example of what timely intervention, clinical expertise, and coordinated teamwork can achieve. This case highlights Fortis Escorts Hospital, Amritsar’s advanced stroke care capabilities and its commitment to delivering world-class neurosciences services through rapid diagnosis, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team. At Fortis Hospital, Amritsar, we are committed to delivering advanced critical care that gives every patient the best possible chance, even in the most challenging situations. I am proud of our medical and nursing teams whose dedication and swift action helped save a life that seemed beyond hope.”