Chandigarh: A team of specialists from Park Hospital, Mohali, highlighted the growing burden of brain stroke in India and stressed the need for greater public awareness, early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention during a press conference held here on Tuesday.
The team comprised Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Group Director – Interventional Radiology; Dr. Gaurav Dhawan, Senior Consultant – Radiology; Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Consultant – Neurology; and Dr. Anil Sofat, Consultant – Neurosurgery.
Speaking at the press conference, Dr. Sandeep Sharma said, “Stroke is emerging as a major public health challenge worldwide. India reports an estimated 1.5 to 2 million new stroke cases every year, and the actual number could be higher, as many patients may never reach healthcare facilities. Thousands of stroke cases occur across the country every day, yet only a small proportion of patients receive timely, appropriate treatment.”
Dr. Sandeep Kaur attributed the rising incidence of stroke in India, in part, to a lack of awareness about the condition, its risk factors and preventive measures. She emphasised that educating people about stroke symptoms and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention could help reduce the risk of severe disability and death.
Highlighting the seriousness of the condition, Dr. Gaurav Dhawan said, “Stroke continues to be a major public health concern, causing a substantial burden of death and disability. Despite its serious consequences, it often remains under-recognised, making awareness and timely intervention critical.”
Explaining advances in stroke management, Dr. Anil Sofat said that mechanical thrombectomy, a specialised minimally invasive procedure available at Park Hospital, Mohali, can offer a treatment option for selected patients with acute ischaemic stroke, even up to 24 hours after symptom onset, depending on clinical assessment and brain imaging.
The experts emphasised the importance of recognising stroke symptoms through the BEFAST approach, which stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Sudden loss of balance, vision disturbances, facial drooping, weakness in one arm or slurred speech may indicate a stroke and require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Sandeep Sharma stressed that time is critical in stroke treatment, as millions of brain cells can be lost every minute when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. He urged people to seek emergency medical care immediately if stroke symptoms appear, even if they subside after a short time.
He further emphasised that prompt assessment and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery and help minimise long-term complications.
Tips to reduce the risk of stroke:
· Control blood pressure
· Maintain a healthy weight
· Exercise regularly
· Follow a balanced diet
· Limit alcohol consumption
· Manage diabetes
· Treat atrial fibrillation
· Quit smoking
· Stay informed
· Follow medical advice
