Experts call for stroke recognition and timely care

 In observance of Stroke Awareness Month, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, organised the Apollo Stroke Awareness Programme (ASAP), to promote awareness about stroke prevention, early recognition, and timely management.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2023) and the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), stroke is the second leading cause of death globally after ischemic heart disease. In India, it stands as the third leading cause of death, following heart disease and cancer, and remains a major cause of adult disability.

 The World Stroke Organisation observes October 29 as World Stroke Day, while the Indian Stroke Association dedicates October as Stroke Awareness Month to encourage prevention, early treatment, and rehabilitation.

Aligned with the World Stroke Day 2025 theme, “Every Minute Counts”, the Apollo Stroke Awareness Programme (ASAP) emphasised the urgency of recognising stroke symptoms and acting promptly (#ActFAST). School students, stroke survivors and caregivers attended the event.

Dr. Avinash Goswami, Neurology, guided participants on how to “Spot the Stroke,” highlighting the importance of early recognition.

Dr. Pushpendra Nath Renjen, Neurology, discussed early management approaches and key factors influencing recovery.

Dr. Seema Grover, Chief, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, spoke on the vital role of post-stroke rehabilitation and introduced the hospital’s advanced Robotic Neuro-Rehabilitation Unit, designed to accelerate motor recovery.

Speakers underscored the role of youth engagement, empowering school students to become young ambassadors for stroke awareness, spreading vital knowledge about prevention, recognition, and emergency response within their communities.

Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant, Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, “Stroke is not just a medical emergency; it’s a race against time. Recognising the warning signs early and reaching a hospital immediately can mean the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.”

Through such efforts, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals continues its commitment to building a healthier, more informed, and stroke-aware society.

Key symptoms to watch for

Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. 

Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? 

Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or strange? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. 

Time to call emergency services: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they go away, call emergency services immediately and get them to the hospital. 

Other important signs

Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech 

Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination 

Sudden, severe headache with no known cause 

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes 

Sudden nausea or vomiting, double vision, or drowsiness can also occur 

For women, symptoms like lightheadedness and headache can also be associated with a stroke, as shown on this MedicalNewsToday article 

What to do

Call emergency services immediately if you notice any signs, as you should not drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital.
Emergency medical personnel can begin treatment on the way to the hospital, which can lead to a better chance of recovery.
Stroke treatments are often only effective within the first few hours of symptom onset, so acting fast is critical. 

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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