Doctors call for greater public awareness of stroke symptoms

Participants during an awareness drive on the occasion of World Stroke Day on Thursday.

Doctors in Hyderabad have called for greater public awareness of stroke symptoms, early diagnosis and timely medical intervention on World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29. They warned that delays in reaching a hospital can affect treatment options, recovery and long-term quality of life.

Hospitals across the city marked the occasion by organising awareness programmes and walkathons, interacting with stroke survivors and highlighting advances in emergency treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up care. The global campaign theme this year, “Every M1nute Counts”, underscored the importance of recognising stroke as a medical emergency and seeking immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to subside.

Highlighting the challenge of delayed treatment, doctors at Care Hospitals cited an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) hospital-based stroke registry that found that only about 20% of patients reached hospitals within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. The hospital also organised a walkathon at Malkam Cheruvu Park and a stroke awareness session featuring interactions with survivors who shared their experiences of treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

KIMS Sunshine Hospital also organised an awareness walkathon. Managing Director Dr. A.V. Gurava Reddy said disability caused by stroke could significantly affect not only patients but also their families. He stressed the importance of family members knowing the medications taken by elderly parents and ensuring that their health was monitored regularly.

Apollo Hospitals highlighted its 360-degree stroke care programme, which integrates emergency assessment, neuro-intensive care, specialised interventions, rehabilitation and home-based follow-up. The programme includes neuro-ICU monitoring, MRI-integrated operating theatre capabilities where applicable, robotic rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, home nursing and remote monitoring.

Meanwhile, Kamineni Hospitals highlighted the importance of stroke prevention, early recognition and adherence to treatment. Dr. M. Lakshmi Lavanya, Senior Consultant Neurologist stressed that controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol through medical supervision and sustainable lifestyle changes could help reduce the risk of stroke.