Dr Vipul Gupta
Stroke continues to be one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India. Despite growing awareness, thousands of people every year lose their lives or suffer from paralysis because medical help is not sought in time. The theme for World Stroke Day 2025, “Bringing stroke advocacy and awareness together to drive action on stroke,” with the campaign “Every Minute Counts,” serves as a powerful reminder that timely recognition and treatment of stroke can make the difference between complete recovery and lifelong disability.
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly blocked, usually due to a clot (called an ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain (called a haemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes, leading to loss of movement, speech, or vision depending on the area affected. The good news is that strokes are treatable and, more importantly, preventable—if detected early and managed quickly.
The easiest way to remember stroke symptoms is by using the acronym FAST:
• F – Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Is one side drooping?
• A – Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms? Does one drift down?
• S – Speech difficulty: Is the speech slurred or strange?
• T – Time to call for help: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
These warning signs should never be ignored, even if they last for only a few minutes. Many patients experience what is called a “mini-stroke” or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a short episode caused by temporary blockage of blood flow. It is a major warning that a full-blown stroke could follow soon.
In recent years, there have been significant advances in the treatment of stroke. Earlier, the only effective treatment for an ischemic stroke was an injection of a clot-dissolving medicine called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which must be given within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. However, now we also have a game-changing procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which can remove the clot directly from the brain’s artery using a special device inserted through a tiny catheter from the leg or wrist.
Mechanical thrombectomy has revolutionized stroke care by extending the treatment window up to 24 hours in selected cases and dramatically improving outcomes. Patients who might otherwise have been left paralyzed or speechless can now walk and talk again, often within days of the procedure. These interventions are available at advanced neurointervention centers like ours, where a 24×7 stroke team of neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, and critical care experts ensure rapid and coordinated care.
While timely treatment is vital, prevention remains the best strategy. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol; quitting smoking; maintaining a healthy diet; exercising regularly; and managing stress are proven ways to lower the risk of stroke.
Every minute counts when it comes to saving the brain. The faster a patient reaches a stroke-ready hospital, the higher the chance of recovery without permanent disability. As the 2025 World Stroke Day theme reminds us, raising awareness and advocating for better stroke care systems are collective responsibilities. Recognizing the signs, acting fast, and ensuring access to advanced treatments like mechanical thrombectomy can truly change lives.
Stroke is a medical emergency—but with awareness, timely action, and modern treatment, it is a battle that we can win.
(The author is Director – Neurointerventional Surgery, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai. He can be reached at [email protected])
