On World Stroke Day, health organisations and governments create campaigns to raise awareness about stroke. Under this medical condition, blood flow to the brain is partly stopped or reduced. And this can result in permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Why We Celebrate World Stroke Day?
World Stroke Day began on October 29, 2004, at a global conference. The World Stroke Organisation (WSO) was officially established that day. Their goal was to raise awareness about this serious condition. Stroke was a leading cause of death and disability. The organisation wanted to highlight the urgency of the problem. They promoted the F.A.S.T. acronym for recognising stroke signs: F - Face drooping, A - Arm weakness, S - Speech difficulty, T - Time to call.
The organisation's initial focus was on public education and prevention. Over the years, the movement gained significant momentum. It became a global effort to reduce the impact. There has been great progress in treatment and public knowledge. The vision now extends beyond just awareness. It includes ensuring access to quality stroke care worldwide. The focus is also on rehabilitation and support for survivors.
The WSO campaign is a testament to global health collaboration. It continues to inspire action in communities everywhere. We celebrate to remember the journey and look ahead. The ultimate goal is a world free from the devastation of stroke.
What is World Stroke Day's Theme?
For 2025, WSO has picked the theme “Every Minute Counts”. It symbolises the core campaign of WSO, which is F.A.S.T. Why this theme this year? Many stroke victims do not get treatment in time because the signs are missed or ignored. With earlier recognition and diagnosis, you can reduce brain damage.
Every minute saved can preserve brain tissue and reduce disability or death. Delays cost lives & quality of life. The theme is more public education, more community-centric readiness, and more people knowing what to do.
Even if individuals know what to do, healthcare systems and government policies need to enable fast, effective stroke care. This includes funding, infrastructure (stroke units), training, and access to treatment.
What are the Types of Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. This can damage brain cells and affect how your body works or thinks. There are different ways a stroke can happen, each with unique causes. Understanding these types helps identify warning signs and seek prompt treatment.
- Transient ischemic attack: A TIA, often called a "mini-stroke" by specialists, happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms are short-lived and usually go away within minutes or hours. Though temporary, it’s a warning sign of a possible major stroke later.
- Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke in most people. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel in the brain. Brain cells begin to die quickly due to a lack of oxygen-rich blood.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts suddenly. The bleeding damages brain tissue and increases pressure inside the skull. High blood pressure is a common cause of this type of stroke.
What are the Visible Stroke Symptoms?
Recognising the visible signs of a stroke is a critical first step in a medical emergency. A stroke's symptoms appear suddenly and demand immediate action to minimise brain damage. The most common signs are:
- Drooping face on one side when smiling.
- Sudden weakness or numbness, with one arm drifting downwards when raised.
- Slurred words or difficulty speaking clearly.
- Blurry vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness, loss of coordination, or trouble walking.
- Severe headache with no obvious cause.
If you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, do not delay. Every moment counts.
Consult our expert neurologists in Gurgaon for stroke prevention and recovery care
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What are the Stroke Risk Factors?
Strokes can lead to various complications. Common effects are paralysis or weakness, which often affects one side of the body, such as the face, arm, or leg, and may be temporary or permanent. Additionally, many individuals experience speech and language problems, including slurred or slow speech and difficulty understanding others or finding the right words, a condition known as aphasia.
Vision problems may occur, resulting in partial loss of vision in one or both eyes, and individuals might experience double vision or difficulty focusing. Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can increase the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Furthermore, many individuals face loss of balance or coordination, leading to trouble walking, frequent falls, and dizziness.
Chronic pain or extreme fatigue can also develop in some stroke survivors, significantly affecting their quality of life. Additionally, there is an increased risk of seizures due to brain injury from the stroke.
What are the Prevention Options for Stroke?
With medical supervision and a lifestyle change, you can reduce the risk of having a stroke. Here are some tips you can follow to maintain a healthy life.
- If you have any pre-existing conditions or allergies, talk to a specialist. This will sort out your options, like what you can do and what you can’t do.
- High blood pressure is one of the causes of stroke, so keep your blood pressure in check.
- Be careful with what you eat and create a diet plan with a professional dietician.
- Do regular physical activity, yoga, gym, morning run, etc. Do consult with the doctor before adopting any such physical activity.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Stroke Treatment?
Artemis Hospitals Neurosciences Centre handles stroke management. The hospital has received the honour of the Diamond Award from the World Stroke Organisation. We’re the first hospital in Haryana to receive this award. We have the best technology for diagnostic and surgical procedures, and our team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and interventional radiologists are available 24/7. This multidisciplinary approach ensures we can provide immediate, life-saving interventions like mechanical thrombectomy and advanced clot-busting therapies. Our dedicated Neuro-ICU and state-of-the-art rehabilitation facilities further guarantee that patients receive the highest standard of care, from the moment of emergency to their complete recovery. To book an appointment with us, call or WhatsApp on +91 9800400498.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is World Stroke Day celebrated?
World Stroke Day is celebrated annually on October 29th each year. This day is celebrated to raise awareness among people and the community about stroke.
Why was World Stroke Day established?
It was established to raise global awareness about the serious nature of stroke, promote prevention strategies, and advocate for better treatment and support for stroke survivors. The goal is to reduce the worldwide burden of this disease.
What is a stroke, and what are the main types?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked. The two main types are:
- Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a blood vessel in the brain bursting and bleeding.
What does the F.A.S.T. acronym stand for, and why is it important?
F.A.S.T. stands for Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, and Time to call for help. It's a simple, life-saving tool to help people quickly recognise the most common symptoms of a stroke and act immediately.
Is a "mini-stroke" or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) a medical emergency?
Yes, A TIA is a warning sign that a major stroke could happen soon. It should be treated as a medical emergency, and the person should seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms go away.
Can a stroke be prevented?
Yes, up to 90% of strokes are preventable. The most effective way is to manage key risk factors through a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, medication.
What are the biggest risk factors for having a stroke?
The biggest modifiable risk factors of stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
What is the "time is brain" concept related to stroke treatment?
This concept emphasises that during a stroke, brain cells are dying at an accelerated rate. The faster a person receives medical treatment, the more brain function can be saved. Every minute counts.
What are some of the long-term effects of a stroke?
The effects vary depending on the stroke's severity and location, but can include physical weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, memory problems, fatigue, and emotional changes like depression.
How can I get involved in raising awareness for World Stroke Day?
You can participate in local events, share information about stroke signs and prevention on social media, donate to a stroke foundation, or simply educate your friends and family about the importance of knowing F.A.S.T. and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Which is the best hospital near me for stroke treatment?
The best hospital for stroke treatment offers comprehensive, time-sensitive care, including a dedicated stroke unit, advanced diagnostic tools, emergency response systems, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Artemis Hospitals in Gurgaon provide such facilities with 24/7 stroke management.
Which is the best neurologist in Gurgaon?
Choosing the right neurologist depends on your specific condition and treatment needs. At Artemis Hospitals, we have a highly experienced team of neurologists and stroke specialists who work together to deliver patient-centered care.
