An alarming surge has been seen in the cases of strokes in the 30-40 age group, highlighted Indian Stroke Association’s (ISA) Secretary Dr Arvind Sharma on Saturday.
Dr Sharma, who is also the Head of Neurology at Zydus Hospital in Ahmedabad, was speaking at the Ahmedabad chapter launch of ‘Mission Brain Attack’, which was launched nationally in Varanasi on May 12. It is an initiative designed to enhance stroke awareness in India. The campaign, titled ‘Each One Teach One’, addresses the concerning increase in stroke incidents throughout India and highlights the critical need for specialised training and resources to enhance stroke care across the country.
“While strokes were traditionally more common in individuals in their 50s, we are now witnessing an alarming increase in cases among people aged 30 to 40 years. Previously, only 5% of strokes occurred in this age group, but this has surged to 10-15%. Disturbingly, even younger individuals aged 20 to 30 years are now experiencing strokes,” said Dr Sharma. “Mission Brain Attack” aims to create awareness for an end-to-end care of stroke and addresses primary prevention, and acute management, said the ISA in a statement on Saturday. The mission will try to raise awareness about strokes among both the masses and the physicians while concentrating on acute care, chronic management, and rehabilitation support to better patient results.
Dr Sharma added, “In India, every minute, three people experience a brain stroke. However, there are only about 4,000 to 5,000 neurologists available nationwide to treat these patients within the critical ‘golden window.’ To address this, ISA has launched initiatives to educate both doctors and the general public on preventive measures and appropriate actions during this crucial time.”
“The symptoms of a stroke are BEFAST — B means imbalance problem or walking difficulty; E is an eye problem — loss of vision or double vision. F is asymmetry of the face and drooping of the face. A is dropping of arm or leg when you ask to raise and S is difficulty in speech, speaking, or comprehension. The slogan, BEFAST, is very essential, so time counts, and every second counts. Prevent stroke, treat as early as possible, identify the symptoms and take the patient to the nearby hospital without wasting time, rule out hemorrhage and other conditions, and give thrombolysis therapy, admit the patient to the ICU, this is an act of humanity,” said eminent neurologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr Sudhir Shah.
“This initiative includes a series of hands-on workshops where healthcare professionals can practice and refine their skills in stroke management. Efforts are being taken to create a network of highly skilled healthcare professionals across India who will respond swiftly and effectively when a brain attack (stroke) occurs,” said Dr Nirmal Surya, consulting neurophysician and President of the ISA.
A stroke is a medical emergency and the golden hour for stroke treatment is 4 hours and 30 minutes to save life. A majority of patients and their family members are unaware that timely intervention within the golden hour can minimise the chances of complications, underlined a statement from the ISA.
