KIMS successfully treats a pregnant woman with a life-threatening stroke

Doctors at KIMS Seethammadhara successfully treated a nine-month pregnant woman who had suffered a life-threatening ischemic stroke, performed an emergency mechanical thrombectomy and subsequently delivered a healthy baby boy.

Sharing the details of the case, Dr. Venkatesh Pothula, Principal Consultant, Neuro and Vascular Interventions; Dr. Pavani Manikya Palepu, consultant gynaecologist; and Dr. Raja Kumar P., consultant neurologist said that a woman from Visakhapatnam region was brought to KIMS Seethammadhara with sudden weakness on the right side of the body and loss of speech. Investigations revealed severe blockages of major blood vessels on the left side of the brain, indicating an acute ischemic stroke requiring immediate intervention.

Since the patient was in the final stages of pregnancy, the treatment posed additional problems, according to the doctors. The Neuro and Vascular Intervention team performed an emergency mechanical thrombectomy to remove a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery.

During the procedure and subsequent recovery, the obstetric team led by senior gynecologist Dr. Pavani Manikya Palepu carefully watched both mother and fetus. Once cerebral blood flow was restored and the patient’s neurological status stabilized, the team planned the timing and method of delivery. A caesarean section was subsequently performed and the woman gave birth to a healthy baby boy.

Dr. Venkatesh Pothula said ischemic stroke during pregnancy is not common but can be life-threatening, especially when it occurs in the final stages of pregnancy.

Doctors said that stroke symptoms during pregnancy require immediate medical attention and should not be delayed due to pregnancy.

Published – 17 Sep 2026 20:40 IST