On the occasion of World Stroke Day, leading neurologists from top hospitals across Delhi-NCR have come together to raise awareness about the growing incidence of stroke — especially among younger individuals — and the importance of early recognition and timely treatment.
According to Dr. Jyoti Bala Sharma, Director – Neurology, Fortis Noida, the global burden of stroke is alarming said, “More than 12.2 million new cases of stroke occur worldwide each year. One stroke occurs every 40 seconds and one stroke-related death every four minutes. In India, stroke ranks as the fourth leading cause of death and fifth leading cause of disability. “
Dr. Sharma noted a disturbing trend: the rising incidence of stroke among younger people under 45 years of age.
“Over the last two to three decades, stroke cases in young individuals have increased by nearly 40–50%. Today, 20–30% of all stroke patients belong to this age group,” she added.
Explaining the condition, she said that a brain stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to the death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
“Since all body functions are controlled by the brain, any delay in restoring blood flow can lead to irreversible loss of critical functions. Stroke treatment is extremely time-sensitive — clot-busting medication works best when administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Every minute counts, as nearly 1.9 million brain cells die each minute after a stroke begins,” Dr. Sharma emphasized.
To help people identify early warning signs, she recommended the FAST method:
- Face: Drooping or unevenness on one side
- Arm: Weakness or numbness in one or both arms
- Speech: Slurred or abnormal speech
- Time: Act immediately and seek emergency medical help
Experts also advocate the BE-FAST approach, which includes two additional checks — Balance (trouble standing or walking) and Eyes (sudden vision problems). Dr. Sharma also mentioned an innovative “Indian Greeting Test,” which uses the traditional Namaskar gesture to quickly identify possible stroke symptoms.
“Ask the person to smile and perform a namaskar — asymmetry in face, speech, or arm movement can indicate stroke. This simple test can help identify up to 80% of cases,” she explained.
Dr. Anup Kumar Thacker, Director of Neurology, Medanta Hospital, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to tackle the rising stroke burden.
“Reducing the state’s stroke burden requires a united effort — preventive care, rapid emergency response, and strong public education,” he said.
Echoing similar views, Dr. Rajat Chopra, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, stressed that awareness remains the most powerful tool in stroke prevention.
“A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and routine check-ups go a long way in reducing stroke risk. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, managing stress, ensuring adequate sleep, and adhering to prescribed medications are essential for a healthier, longer life,” he noted.
As stroke cases continue to rise, especially among the working-age population, neurologists are urging people to stay alert to the early signs and act swiftly. After all, when it comes to stroke — every minute truly matters.