Visakhapatnam:Doctors and healthcare professionals observed World Stroke Day on Thursday by conducting an awareness programme highlighting the importance of recognising stroke symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention to prevent disability and save lives.
A short skit educated the public about stroke, its warning signs and the need for urgent treatment. The performance highlighted common symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness in one arm and difficulty speaking, while emphasising the importance of reaching a hospital without delay.
Senior Consultant Neurologist Dr K. Satya Rao, Dr T. Suresh, Dr K. Suresh, Dr Dalai, Dr Vinay Bhushan, Dr Pavan Rudra, Dr Anil Devara and Centre Head Dr Arun Kumar participated in the programme.
Doctors explained that strokes are broadly classified into two types: ischaemic stroke, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain following the rupture of a blood vessel. Both can lead to paralysis, speech impairment, vision problems and other serious complications.
Experts said advances in treatment had significantly improved outcomes for stroke patients. Eligible patients can receive clot-dissolving treatment, known as thrombolysis, within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. In selected cases, mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove a clot, may be performed up to 24 hours after the patient was last known to be well.
Highlighting this year’s message, “Every Minute Counts,” doctors said nearly 1.9 million brain cells could be lost every minute during an untreated ischaemic stroke.
They urged people to remember the acronym BE FAST — Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time — to recognise warning signs and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Medical experts stressed that prompt diagnosis and treatment could significantly reduce disability, improve recovery and save lives, reiterating the message: “Time is Brain.”
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