Stroke Prevalence is on the Rise in India: Stroke is preventable and treatable

Ludhiana, October 28, 2021: Stroke or brain attack is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In India every year 18 lakhs new stroke cases occur. About 22 to 42% of stroke patients die within a month in India said Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, Principal, Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana. He is also the President of Indian Stroke Association and Vice-President of World Stroke Organisation. He also said that Indian Stroke Association had organized World Stroke month to raise the awareness of stroke in the country.

In the press conference held today at CMC Ludhiana to commemorate the World Stroke Day on 29th October, Dr Pandian stated that timely recognition of stroke symptoms is crucial to receive highly effective treatment like clot bursting drug injection and removal of clot using stent retriever. There are two types of strokes said Dr Rajeswar, Associate Professor of Neurology; ischemic when there is a blockage to one of the brain arteries, and rupture, and leakage of blood from the artery called brain hemorrhage.

Stroke signs and symptoms can be recognized using the following acronym: FAST- F-drooping of one side of face, A-arm weakness, S-sudden trouble speaking and T-Time to reach a stroke ready hospital said Dr Vivek Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Division of Neurointervention, CMC Ludhiana. He added that Early treatment of stroke is of paramount

importance as it can reduce the disability associated with stroke”. Recent advances in stroke treatments have introduced newer treatments like removal of the clots that block the blood supply to brain by using special stents called “clot retrievals”. These treatments are now only available at the Neuro DSA Lab CMC & Hospital, Ludhiana.

The risk factors for stroke are high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, irregular heart rhythm, excess alcohol intake, obesity, lack of physical activity and unhealth diet said Dr Vineet Jaison Associate Professor of Neurology. Stroke is preventable in 80% cases, screening for high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol annually is important. Control of all risk factors with regular exercise and healthy diet can lead to prevention of stroke said Dr Pandian. Dr. William Bhatti, the Director Christian Medical College, Ludhiana appreciated the efforts of neurology department.

Stroke warning symptoms

•             Sudden weakness in one side face, arm and leg

•             Sudden numbness in one side of the body

•             Sudden difficulty in speaking and understanding

•             Sudden imbalance, giddiness and unconsciousness