#TimeToDecideDestiny
See the signs, seize your destiny
Globally, 1 in 4 people over 25 will suffer from a stroke in their lifetime.¹ This is why it’s important to quickly recognize, treat and prevent strokes when they happen to you or a loved one. Together — through awareness, education, and prevention — we can save lives.
What is a stroke?
A stroke or a “brain attack” is a sudden interruption in the brain’s blood supply. When the blood supply is interrupted, your brain no longer gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs, therefore, causing brain cells to die by the minute.²
According to the World Health Organization, stroke is the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability worldwide.³
Know the facts and prevent stroke today.
India stroke facts
1 in 4
will have a stroke in
their lifetime.1
1.8M
annual stroke incidence in India4
3rd
leading cause of death and 6th leading cause of disability5
Awareness facts6
1. Severe headaches
2. Difficulty walking, dizziness, and/or loss of balance
3. Sudden numbness in the face, arms, and/or legs
4. Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
5. Confusion and/or trouble speaking
1 sec
32,000 brain
cells die8
1 min
1.9M brain cells
are lost9
1 hr
3.6 years of brain cells lost in normal aging9
Warning signs and symptoms
For every minute treatment is delayed, there is a risk of losing 4 days of a disability free life and 10 days of functional independence.10
Act quickly to recognize the signs of stroke and get loved ones access to a comprehensive stroke center.
Learn the warning signs of stroke to B.E. F.A.S.T. in order to save a life.
Comprehensive Stroke Center / Stroke-ready Hospital
Comprehensive Stroke Center13 is a hospital that meets standards to treat the most complex stroke cases.
1. Availability of advanced imaging techniques, including MRI/MRA, CTA, DSA and TCD
2. Availability of personnel trained in vascular neurology, neurosurgery and endovascular procedures
3. 24/7 availability of personnel, imaging, operating room and endovascular facilities
4. ICU/neuroscience ICU facilities and capabilities
5. Experience and expertise treating patients with large ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage
How is stroke treated?
There are several ways acute ischemic stroke can be treated by either removing or dissolving a clot.7
Medical management
An intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is often used to break up clots and works best when used soon after the stroke occurs.11
Mechanical thrombectomy
For larger, more complex clots a minimally invasive procedure known as mechanical thrombectomy uses a device to remove the clot.11
How to manage and reduce the risk of stroke
Up to 80% of strokes could be prevented by addressing a small number of risk factors.12
With some simple life changes and working with your doctor, you can reduce your risk of stroke by managing your other conditions. Learn more about the connections between stroke and diabetes, cholesterol, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
Explore resources
Stroke survivor story
A usual day for Dr. Priyanshu Patel, 43 , was transformed into a life-saving experience when his son and wife recognized signs of his stroke and jumped into action.
World Stroke Organization. Learn about stroke. Accessed October 26, 2022.
American Stroke Association. About Stroke. Accessed 20 April 2022.
Feigin VL, Brainin M, Norrving B, et al. World Stroke Organization (WSO): Global stroke fact sheet 2022. International Journal of Stroke. 2022;17(1):18-29. doi:10.1177/17474930211065917
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke facts. Accessed October 26, 2022.
Haesebaert, J., Laude, C., Termoz, A. et al. Impact of a theory-informed and user-centered stroke information campaign on the public’s behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge when facing acute stroke: a controlled before-and-after study. BMC Public Health 20, 1712 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-09795-y
Saver, J.L., Time is brain. Stroke. 2006;37:263–266. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000196957.55928.ab
Scribd. Broyles, R. Pathophysiology of Cerebrovascular accident. Published 2009. Accessed October 26, 2022.
NeuroNews. Time is money, not just brain. Published October 10, 2018. Accessed May 18, 2022.
American Stroke Association. Ischemic stroke treatments. Accessed October 4, 2022.
American Stroke Association. Preventing another stroke. Accessed October 4, 2022.
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