The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative, ‘MISSION BRAIN ATTACK,’ in Varanasi to address the rising incidence of strokes in India. The campaign, titled ‘Each One Teach One,’ aims to enhance awareness about stroke prevention, acute management, and rehabilitation while equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to improve patient outcomes.

Highlighting the initiative’s comprehensive approach, Dr. Nirmal Surya, President of ISA, emphasized, “A stroke can have a devastating impact on one’s life if not managed in time. This initiative focuses on empowering healthcare professionals with hands-on training, real-time case studies, and access to cutting-edge online resources to ensure timely and effective care for stroke patients.”

Addressing the Growing Burden of Stroke

Strokes are a leading cause of disability and mortality in India, with the incidence alarmingly rising among younger populations. Traditionally seen in individuals aged 50 and above, recent trends reveal an increase in cases among those aged 30 to 40, with even people in their 20s affected. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to this growing health concern.

Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA, noted, “In India, every minute, three people experience a brain stroke. Yet, there are only 4,000-5,000 neurologists nationwide to manage these cases during the critical ‘golden hour.’ Initiatives like ‘MISSION BRAIN ATTACK’ aim to address this gap through widespread education and training.”

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The Golden Hour: A Critical Window

Timely intervention within the golden hour—the first 4 hours and 30 minutes after a stroke—is crucial to minimizing complications and saving lives. Treatments such as IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy can dissolve clots and restore blood flow to the brain, significantly reducing the risk of long-term disabilities like paralysis, aphasia, and cerebral edema.

Despite the life-saving potential of these treatments, awareness about stroke symptoms and the importance of prompt action remains low. The acronym BEFAST—Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for help—is key to recognizing stroke symptoms early and ensuring swift medical intervention.

Strengthening Stroke Care Nationwide

To amplify its mission, ISA has launched a Faridabad Chapter, focusing on stroke awareness, acute care, and rehabilitation. The chapter was inaugurated on November 24, 2024, in the presence of prominent medical experts, including Dr. Kunal Bahrani, Organizing Secretary of the Stroke Academy Faridabad, and Dr. Salil Uppal, Treasurer of ISA.

This initiative includes:

• Workshops: Hands-on training for healthcare professionals to refine stroke management skills.
• Webinars: Knowledge-sharing sessions with leading experts to disseminate the latest advancements in stroke care.
• Real-Time Case Studies: Practical insights into managing stroke cases effectively.
• 24/7 Access to Resources: Up-to-date guidelines and best practices for stroke care.

Dr. Surya further added, “Our goal is to create a network of skilled healthcare professionals across India who can respond effectively when a stroke occurs. By combining training, public awareness, and resource accessibility, we can make a tangible difference in saving lives and improving patient outcomes.”

Public Awareness: A Key Component

‘MISSION BRAIN ATTACK’ also focuses on educating the general public about stroke prevention. By promoting regular health check-ups and encouraging lifestyle changes such as better sleep hygiene and physical activity, the initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of strokes in younger populations.

As India grapples with this growing health challenge, ISA’s initiative stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring that more strokes are caught early and treated effectively, paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes nationwide.

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