Rising Stroke Burden In India

Up to 10% of Seniors May Have Silent Brain Clots Without Symptoms: Dr. P Vijaya (ISA)
• Indian Stroke Association Highlights the Urgent Need for Stroke Awareness in India
• Experts call for early detection, regular brain check-ups, and timely intervention to prevent disability and save lives
• High blood pressure can increase the risk of a stroke— monitor it regularly
Bhopal, 12th oct 2025: The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) has issued a strong call for greater public awareness and preventive action against brain stroke, one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India. As part of its ongoing awareness campaign “ Brain Stroke Time to Act “ ISA shared an alarming fact — up to 10% of the population above 60 years of age may have silent clots in the brain without symptoms, potentially leading to a major stroke if left untreated.
The study highlights that silent clots — often asymptomatic — can lead to severe neurological damage if left untreated. Brain Stroke has become a major public health challenge in India, with nearly 1.8 million people suffering a stroke every year. According to health estimates, one in every four adults will experience a stroke in their lifetime. Stroke incidence in India is estimated at 119–152 per 100,000 population, with increasing cases among younger adults due to changing lifestyles, stress, diabetes, and hypertension. Despite medical advancements, awareness about the early signs and emergency response to stroke remains critically low — causing delayed hospital admissions and poor recovery outcomes.
Dr. P. Vijaya, President, Indian Stroke Association (ISA) “Stroke is not just a disease of the elderly anymore. We are witnessing a worrying rise in stroke cases among younger adults, often linked to stress, hypertension, and lifestyle habits. The lack of awareness about early symptoms means that many patients reach hospitals too late for effective treatment. Through our outreach initiatives, we want people to understand that timely recognition and treatment can save the brain and prevent lifelong disability. Stroke is treatable — but only if you act fast.”
Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA) “In India, stroke awareness is still far behind compared to Western countries. Many patients and families do not recognize the signs, and valuable time is lost in seeking medical help. We emphasize the importance of the BEFAST approach and the ‘golden hour’ — because every minute of delay costs millions of brain cells. Building stroke-ready hospitals and training emergency responders are essential steps toward reducing mortality and improving outcomes for patients.”
Understanding Stroke — Symptoms and Risk Factors: A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. The most common risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and lack of physical activity.
Immediate medical attention is crucial — every minute counts. The faster a person receives treatment, the better the chances of recovery and reduced disability.
The Indian Stroke Association urges the public to remember the BEFAST acronym to recognize stroke warning signs:
• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E – Eyes: Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
• F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile
• A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm
• S – Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech
• T – Time: Time to act fast and rush to a stroke-ready hospital
Recognizing these signs and reaching a hospital within the “golden hour” (first 60 minutes) can make a life-saving difference, as advanced stroke treatments like thrombolysis and thrombectomy are time-dependent.
Timely diagnosis and intervention are critical in stroke management. Treatments include clot-busting medications, mechanical thrombectomy (for large vessel blockages), and rehabilitation therapies to restore mobility and speech. Preventive strategies focus on controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and undergoing regular brain check-ups, especially for those above 60 or with existing comorbidities.
Dr. Makarand Hirve, Neurologist (Bhopal) and Organising secretary for Bhopal Chapter (Indian Stroke Association) said “The burden of stroke-related disability in India is immense. Rehabilitation after stroke is just as important as acute treatment. Patients need consistent physiotherapy, speech therapy, and psychological support to regain independence. Regular screening for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol after age 40 can significantly reduce stroke risk. Preventing the first stroke is always better than recovering from one — and this requires awareness, education, and proactive healthcare behaviour.”
Despite its growing prevalence, stroke awareness in India remains limited. Studies show that nearly 80% of stroke cases can be prevented through better awareness and lifestyle changes. Early recognition and access to specialized care can drastically reduce the risk of long-term disability. The ISA’s awareness campaigns aim to empower citizens to identify early warning signs, seek prompt care, and adopt healthier habits to protect brain health.