Stroke: Know Warning Signs, Act Fast, Prevent Brain Damage

• A stroke, or 'brain attack,' occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing oxygen deprivation and potential irreversible damage to speech, movement, and memory.
• In India, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability; delayed recognition is a major barrier to recovery, making early identification crucial.
• Strokes are primarily ischemic (blocked vessel, 87%) or hemorrhagic (ruptured vessel); mini-strokes (TIAs) are critical warning signs of higher future stroke risk.
• Recognize stroke symptoms using the BE FAST acronym: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time (act immediately). Treatment is most effective within 3 hours.
• Key preventable risk factors include hypertension, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and physical inactivity; lifestyle changes can prevent up to 80% of strokes.

Why It Matters: Early recognition of stroke symptoms and managing risk factors are vital for prevention and better outcomes.