What are the long-term impacts of Delhi's air pollution on the brain?

Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in polluted air can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging neurons and blood vessels in the brain. This increases the risk of cognitive decline, strokes, and even dementia, especially in older adults.

What are the most common symptoms of pollution-related neurological issues in Delhi?

The most common symptoms include acute migraine attacks, persistent headaches, dizziness, and mental fatigue. Doctors have also reported a spike in sudden stroke cases, particularly among individuals with existing vascular risk factors.

Home / Health / Delhi's Toxic Air Fuels Neurological Health Crisis: Migraines, Strokes Spike Alarmingly

Delhi's Toxic Air Fuels Neurological Health Crisis: Migraines, Strokes Spike Alarmingly

Q: How is Delhi's air pollution affecting the brain health of its residents?

Delhi's toxic air has been linked to a sharp rise in neurological complaints, including acute migraines, persistent headaches, dizziness, and mental fatigue. Doctors have observed a 15-20% increase in such cases over the past few weeks.

10 Nov

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Summary

Delhi's air quality index reaches "very poor" levels
15-20% rise in neurological cases like migraines, dizziness
Spike in sudden stroke cases, especially among those with vascular risks
Pollution triggers anxiety-related headaches and mental fatigue

As of November 10th, 2025, Delhi's air quality has once again deteriorated, with the city's air quality index (AQI) standing at a concerning 346 in the early morning. This places the national capital firmly in the "very poor" category, just a day after more than 20 monitoring stations had slipped into the "severe" zone with AQI levels crossing 400.

While the respiratory and cardiac dangers of Delhi's toxic air are well-documented, doctors are now warning of a quieter but equally alarming threat: the growing impact on the human brain. Neurologists across the city report a sharp uptick in patients seeking treatment for a range of neurological complaints, including acute migraines, persistent headaches, dizziness, and mental fatigue.

In fact, doctors have observed nearly a 15-20% rise in neurological cases over the past few weeks alone. "Air pollution can directly increase the incidence and frequency of migraines, and even people who've never had headaches before are now coming in with pollution-triggered pain," explains Dr. Rahul Chawla, a Consultant Neurologist.