India witnesses a brain stroke every 20 seconds, adding up to over 18 lakh new cases each year, yet awareness about stroke prevention and early treatment remains dangerously low, warned medical experts at the launch of a new national campaign titled “Brain Stroke – Time to Act.”
Launched by the Indian Stroke Association (ISA) in partnership with the Indian Association of Physicians–Hyderabad Chapter and the Society for Emergency Medicine India, the campaign aims to educate the public on recognising early warning signs and seeking urgent medical help.
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“Stroke can strike anyone—regardless of age, gender, or background,” said Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the ISA, The Hindu reported. She stressed that ischaemic strokes, which account for the majority of cases in India, can often be treated if patients reach a hospital on time. However, only 1% of eligible patients receive IV thrombolysis, a clot-busting injection that must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
Dr. Vijaya urged the public to remember key warning signs such as sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech or loss of vision or balance. “Timely recognition is critical. Every minute counts,” she said.
Dr. Subhash Kaul, consultant neurologist at KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad, called attention to intracerebral haemorrhage, the deadliest form of stroke caused by brain bleeding. “Public education plays a major role in detecting and managing such emergencies early,” he added.
Dr. Salil Uppal, ISA Treasurer, emphasised the strong link between high blood pressure and stroke, noting that one in four Indian adults lives with undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension. “It remains the leading risk factor, especially for haemorrhagic strokes. Every adult should get their BP checked at least once a year,” he advised.
