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In India, the majority of stroke patients miss the critical window of treatment due to a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the urgent action required
Knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast can save millions of neurons and, more importantly, save lives
Stroke is a medical emergency where every second counts. Timely intervention within the first few hours can mean the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and long-term disability. In India, however, the majority of stroke patients miss this critical window of treatment due to a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the urgent action required.
Dr. Sharath Kumar GG, Senior Consultant and Interventional Neuro-Radiologist at Apollo Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of early treatment, “Early intervention during the first three hours of a stroke is critical to prevent long-term disabilities and save lives. Timely treatment, such as IV thrombolysis, can significantly reduce brain damage by restoring blood flow. If treatment is delayed beyond this window, the risk of permanent disability or death increases sharply, as millions of neurons are lost every minute.”
The first few hours following the onset of stroke symptoms are often referred to as the “golden window” because immediate treatment can drastically improve outcomes. IV thrombolysis, which involves the administration of clot-dissolving medication, is one of the most effective treatments if administered within the first three hours. For patients who miss this window, advanced techniques like mechanical thrombectomy may offer a second chance by physically removing the clot, extending the treatment window up to 24 hours. However, as Dr Kumar notes, the earlier the treatment, the better the chance of survival and recovery.
For larger clots, mechanical thrombectomy can extend the window up to 24 hours, but the sooner a stroke is treated, the better the outcome. Unfortunately, over 99% of stroke patients in India miss this crucial window, largely due to lack of awareness. “Knowing the signs—sudden weakness, slurred speech, facial drooping—and getting to a stroke-ready hospital immediately can save lives and prevent irreversible damage. Public education on stroke symptoms is key to empowering individuals to act swiftly, improving survival rates and recovery,” adds Dr Kumar.
Despite the availability of these life-saving treatments, stroke remains a major cause of death and disability in India. This is largely due to delayed hospital visits and the public’s unfamiliarity with stroke symptoms. Recognizing warning signs—such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, or drooping on one side of the face—can prompt immediate action. In stroke cases, getting to a hospital equipped to handle stroke emergencies as quickly as possible is critical.
Dr. Kumar’s call to action highlights the urgent need for increased public education about stroke. By raising awareness of the symptoms and the importance of swift medical intervention, lives can be saved, and the devastating effects of stroke can be minimized. A robust public awareness campaign, combined with widespread access to stroke-ready hospitals, could significantly improve survival rates and reduce the long-term burden of disability from stroke.
As medical professionals like Dr. Kumar stress, knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast can save millions of neurons and, more importantly, save lives. Educating the public on how to recognize these signs and seek immediate treatment is the key to improving stroke outcomes in India.
