Kolkata/Mumbai, June 4 : What began as treatment for a serious heart infection suddenly turned into a race against time for 32-year-old woman, from Munagachha, Nadia, who lost her ability to speak and move the right side of her body within moments after suffering a severe stroke inside the hospital. In a remarkable example of timely intervention, medical expertise, and coordinated critical care, doctors at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, led by Dr. Amlan Mandal, HOD and Senior Consultant – Neurology – Adult and Paediatric Neurology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and Dr. Nirmalya Ray, Consultant – Neuroradiology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass successfully treated the young woman and helped her make a complete neurological recovery without any residual deficit. Their swift action and advanced stroke intervention not only saved her life but also prevented what could have been a permanently disabling outcome.
Sima Das (name changed), a 32-year-old woman from Muragachha, Nadia, with a history of Mitral Valve Replacement in 2023, was admitted for the treatment of infective endocarditis caused by Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)—a serious bacterial infection affecting the inner lining and valves of the heart. During her hospitalization, she suddenly developed complete weakness on the right side of her body and global aphasia, a severe neurological condition that significantly impaired her ability to speak, communicate, and comprehend language.
Recognising the symptoms immediately, the medical team activated the emergency stroke protocol. Neurological evaluation revealed a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 14, indicating a moderate-to-severe stroke. Emergency imaging further confirmed a blockage in the left Internal Carotid Artery , one of the major arteries supplying blood to the brain. The condition posed an immediate threat of extensive brain damage, permanent disability, and even loss of life if not treated urgently.
Considering the critical nature of the case, the patient was immediately taken up for Mechanical Thrombectomy by Dr. Nirmalya Ray, which is an advanced minimally invasive procedure performed to remove blood clots from blocked brain arteries and restore blood circulation. The neurointerventional team successfully achieved complete recanalization which indicates full restoration of blood flow to the affected part of the brain, within just 30 minutes from groin puncture to completion of the procedure. The exceptionally swift intervention played a crucial role in preventing permanent brain damage and ensuring the patient’s successful recovery Following the procedure, the patient showed good neurological improvement. Her NIHSS score reduced from 14 to 2 immediately after the intervention and improved to 0 within the next 48 hours, indicating complete neurological recovery.
Speaking about the complexity of the case, Dr. Amlan Mandal said,
“This was an extremely rare and challenging case because the patient was already critically ill with infective endocarditis and had a history of valve replacement surgery, both of which significantly increased the risk of stroke and cardiac complications. Managing a large vessel stroke in such a patient requires not only rapid decision-making but also seamless coordination across multiple specialties. The patient developed sudden paralysis and loss of speech while already under treatment, making time the single most important factor. Every minute of delay in stroke treatment results in irreversible brain cell loss. The prompt recognition of symptoms, immediate activation of the stroke protocol, rapid imaging, and swift intervention helped us prevent what could have been a catastrophic neurological outcome. Cases like these highlight the importance of advanced stroke-ready centres and multidisciplinary expertise in saving lives and preserving quality of life.”
During her post-operative stay in the Intensive Care Unit , the patient also developed atrial fibrillation , an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that increases the risk of stroke and other cardiac complications. The condition was medically managed, following which she was started on anticoagulation therapy. She remained under close monitoring by the departments of Neurology, General Medicine, and Cardiology throughout her recovery.
Commenting on the procedure, Dr. Nirmalya Ray said,
“Mechanical thrombectomy is one of the most advanced and effective treatments for acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. In this case, the blockage involved a major artery supplying blood to the brain, making immediate recanalization critical. The procedure involves navigating specialized catheters through blood vessels to reach the clot and remove it, thereby restoring blood flow to the affected part of the brain. Achieving complete recanalization within just 30 minutes was a significant achievement and played a decisive role in the patient’s full neurological recovery. Such outcomes are possible only through rapid coordination, precision-based intervention, and timely access to advanced stroke care.”
Sharing his experience, the patient’s brother said,
“My sister was admitted to Manipal Hospital EM Bypass for treatment of a serious heart infection. When she suddenly suffered a stroke during her hospital stay, our family was extremely scared. The doctors acted quickly and provided the right treatment at the right time. Thanks to their efforts, she made a complete recovery and returned home healthy after 45 days. We are grateful to the entire team at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass for their care and support.”
After completing six weeks of injectable antibiotic therapy along with comprehensive multidisciplinary management, the patient was discharged in stable condition with no residual neurological impairment.
This case once again underscores the importance of early stroke recognition, rapid intervention, and integrated multidisciplinary care, reinforcing the critical message in stroke management Time is Brain.