On World Stroke Day 2025, observed annually on October 29, health experts across India are urging people to act fast when it comes to stroke symptoms. The global theme, “Every Minute Counts,” highlights that immediate medical response within the first 4 to 4.5 hours , often called the golden window, can mean the difference between life, recovery, and lifelong disability.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke remains the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In India, it ranks among the top causes of mortality, affecting both urban and rural populations. Experts are raising alarms as cases surge among younger adults due to lifestyle-related factors.
Doctors warn that a delay of even a few minutes can cause irreversible brain damage. Dr. M.G.V. Aditya, Senior Consultant Neurologist at Care Hospitals, Visakhapatnam, stresses,
“One in six people worldwide suffer from stroke. Life is short , take precautions and don’t let a stroke take it away. If you notice sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, reach a hospital immediately.”
Medical experts call the first 4 to 4.5 hours after a stroke the golden window. During this time, clot-busting (thrombolytic) therapy or mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow and save brain tissue. Beyond this window, the risk of permanent brain injury and disability rises sharply.
At Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, a 39-year-old man with no prior health conditions experienced sudden weakness and slurred speech.
Dr. Pramod Krishnan, HOD and Consultant-Neurology, shared,
“MRI revealed a blockage in the basilar artery of the brainstem. We performed thrombolysis, followed by mechanical angiogram to remove the clot bit by bit. By the next day, he could walk again, and three months later, he’s back to work. This was only possible because he came to us during the golden period.”
The case stands as a reminder that timely hospital care can transform outcomes, even in severe stroke cases.
Neurologists often use the phrase “Time is brain” , the longer treatment is delayed, the more brain cells die.
Dr. Lokesh B, Consultant Neurology at Aster CMI Hospital, explained that delay in treatment leads to paralysis, speech problems, memory loss, or even death.
However, awareness remains low. Dr. Avinash Kulkarni from Gleneagles BGS Hospital noted,
“Less than 50% of stroke patients reach hospitals within this golden window. We tell them a stroke is like a fire in a bookstack , the longer it burns, the more damage occurs.”
Doctors emphasize using the BEFAST test for early detection:
Balance loss, Eye vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help.
While stroke was once seen as an ailment of the elderly, experts warn of a rapid rise among younger adults aged 30–45.
Dr. G. Kishore Babu of Care Hospitals pointed out that many strokes occur silently due to small clots, leading to gradual memory loss, headaches, and imbalance. These “silent strokes” often go undetected without routine scans.
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Young-onset strokes are now linked to hypertension, diabetes, stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, and smoking, highlighting the need for preventive health checks among working-age adults.
According to Dr. Rajnish Kumar, Principal Director and Unit Head (Neurology) at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, almost 90% of stroke cases stem from modifiable factors that can be managed through lifestyle and medical interventions.
1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The biggest risk factor , uncontrolled BP can increase stroke risk fourfold. A 2022 Lancet Global Health study found that one in three Indian adults have hypertension, with less than 25% managing it effectively.
2. Smoking (Tobacco Use): Nicotine raises BP and carbon monoxide reduces oxygen supply, nearly doubling stroke risk (CDC data).
3. Heart Disease: Conditions like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) increase stroke risk fivefold by forming clots that travel to the brain (AHA research).
4. Diabetes: Damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk 1.8 times (Journal of Stroke, 2023).
5. High Cholesterol: Excess LDL (“bad” cholesterol) causes artery plaque buildup; lowering LDL by 1 mmol/L can reduce ischemic stroke risk by over 20% (NIH data).
6. Obesity & Inactivity: Being overweight or inactive raises risk across the board. Regular exercise can reduce stroke incidence by up to 25% (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
Doctors recommend that adults over 40, and those over 30 who smoke or drink, should routinely monitor blood pressure and sugar levels. Advanced tests like carotid Doppler scans can detect cholesterol buildup in arteries early.
Dr. Kumar advises,
“Know your numbers. Keep your BP, sugar, and cholesterol in check. Quit smoking, stay active, and maintain a healthy weight. These are the simplest yet most powerful ways to reduce your stroke risk.”
This World Stroke Day, the global campaign “Together We Can Outpace Stroke” urges individuals to act fast, adopt preventive habits, and spread awareness.
Dr. Prapti Reddy from Hosmat Hospital concluded,
“Awareness about the golden period for stroke remains much lower than for heart attacks. People must recognize BEFAST signs and reach hospitals immediately , using any available transport instead of waiting for ambulances.”
As India faces a rising tide of stroke cases, experts reiterate: time truly is the brain. Early action, awareness, and lifestyle changes can save lives and prevent lifelong disabilities.
In today’s era, medical science has made remarkable progress, yet countless people continue to suffer from incurable diseases. Even the most skilled doctors sometimes fail to provide complete relief. Financial constraints, side effects of medicines, or unknown causes often make recovery impossible.
According to Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj , true healing begins with Sat-Bhakti, the worship of the Supreme God as described in the holy scriptures. When one follows the path of truth and devotion taught by Him, even the most severe illnesses start fading away. Countless devotees have shared their real-life experiences where, after taking Naam Diksha (initiation) from Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji, they have been cured of chronic diseases that medical science had declared untreatable , including cancer and other long-standing ailments.
The Rigveda (Mandala 10, Sukta 161, Mantra 2) also confirms that the Supreme God has the power to grant health even to a dying or severely ill person. The reason so many people today remain unwell is due to the burden of sinful deeds accumulated over lifetimes. As our good deeds diminish in Kalyug, diseases and sorrows increase. But through the shelter of a Tatvdarshi Saint, our past sins begin to dissolve, leading to peace, health, and liberation.
Thus, the spiritual wisdom of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji is not merely about faith , it is a science of complete transformation, restoring both the body and the soul through the power of true devotion.
World Stroke Day is observed on October 29 to raise awareness about stroke. The campaign theme “Every Minute Counts” highlights that treatment within the first hours can prevent irreversible brain damage.
Sudden facial drooping, one-arm weakness, speech difficulty, imbalance, vision changes or vomiting , all require urgent hospital care within the golden window.
The golden window refers to the first 4.5 hours for intravenous thrombolysis and up to 6 hours for mechanical thrombectomy to restore blood flow and minimise damage.
Modifiable factors include high blood pressure, smoking, heart disease (especially atrial fibrillation), diabetes, high cholesterol and inactivity or obesity.
Monitor blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol, quit smoking, stay active, avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight and be alert to subtle signs of silent strokes.
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