Stroke Alerts: Every Second Counts for Brain Health

On World Thrombectomy Day, observed globally on May 15, doctors from NIMHANS emphasized the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms early and seeking immediate treatment. The day's theme, "Every second counts, on the field and in the brain," underscores the urgent need for medical intervention to prevent severe disability and death from strokes.

Increasingly, stroke cases are being reported among younger adults, attributed to factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, stress, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles. Delays in treatment can lead to paralysis, speech impairment, memory loss, or even fatalities.

NIMHANS, a 24/7 government-sector mechanical thrombectomy center in Karnataka, provides advanced stroke care. This includes emergency thrombolysis, thrombectomy procedures, stroke ICU services, and rehabilitation. Mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove blood clots, offers significantly improved recovery chances if conducted within six hours of stroke onset.

The institute promotes the "Be fast" warning signs: balance issues, eye problems, facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty, urging timely action. NIMHANS is collaborating with the Karnataka government on a project to enhance stroke care access in rural and semi-urban areas by connecting district hospitals with advanced centers, addressing challenges like lack of public awareness and delayed hospital visits.