India records 18 lakh new brain stroke cases every year, nationwide campaign launched

India records a brain stroke every 20 seconds, amounting to over 18 lakh new cases each year, yet public awareness about prevention and timely treatment remains low, said medical experts at the launch of the stroke awareness campaign titled ‘Brain Stroke – Time to Act’.

Speaking at the event, P.Vijaya, president of the Indian Stroke Association, stressed that brain stroke can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, education or economic background. She pointed out that while ischemic stroke is the most common type in India, only 1% of eligible patients receive IV thrombolysis, a clot-busting injection that can improve outcomes if administered within the golden window of 4.5 hours from symptom onset. “Recognising symptoms like sudden weakness, difficulty speaking or loss of vision is crucial,” she said.

Subhash Kaul, consultant neurologist at KIMS Hospital, Secunderabad, highlighted the need for timely intervention in cases of intracerebral haemorrhage, the deadliest form of stroke caused by brain bleeding. Public education plays a major role in early detection,” he noted.

ISA treasurer Salil Uppal drew attention to the strong link between hypertension and stroke, revealing that one in four Indian adults suffers from high blood pressure. “Hypertension is the single most important risk factor for strokes, particularly haemorrhagic ones,” he said, urging all adults above the age of 18 to check their blood pressure at least once a year.

The campaign has been launched by the ISA in collaboration with the Indian Association of Physicians-Hyderabad Chapter and the Society for Emergency Medicine India.