On May 15, 2025, the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), in collaboration with the Rotary Clubs of Guntur and the Indian Red Cross Society, organized a live webinar titled “Know Stroke – Beat Stroke” to mark Brain Stroke Awareness Month and World Thrombectomy Day. This one-hour educational session aimed to raise public and professional awareness about stroke, its impact, treatment options, and the importance of timely intervention.
Global Participation and Expert-Led Discussions
As per the press release, the webinar attracted over 490 registrations from across India, the USA, and Australia, showcasing the growing global concern around stroke care. A distinguished panel of neurologists and stroke specialists led the session. Key speakers included Dr. P. Vijaya (President, ISA), Dr. Vikam Huded (President-Elect, ISA), Dr. Arvind Sharma (Secretary, ISA), and Dr. Dileep R. Yavagal, a renowned interventional neurologist from Miami, USA.
They were joined by panelists Dr. Shripal Shah, Dr. Trilochan Srivastava, Dr. Salil Uppal, Dr. Anand Alurkar, Dr. Nirmal Surya, Dr. R. Lakshmi Narasimhan, Dr. Amit Kulkarni, Dr. Jayanta Roy, Dr. Monika Singla, and Dr. Pawan Kumar Ojha, who contributed to an engaging and interactive discussion.
Understanding Stroke: A Rising Threat
Stroke, often referred to as paralysis, ranks among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. According to ISA President Dr. P. Vijaya, one in four people is likely to suffer a stroke in their lifetime. India alone records around 18 lakh new stroke cases annually. Worryingly, nearly 25% of these occur in individuals under the age of 45. This not only affects health but also has serious economic and social consequences.
Recognize Stroke Early: BEFAST Saves Lives
Dr. Vijaya emphasized that up to 80% of strokes are preventable. Early identification is critical, and the BEFAST acronym offers an easy way to remember stroke warning signs:
Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time to seek help.
“The faster we act, the better the chances of recovery. Every minute counts,” he stressed.
Two Effective Treatments: Time Is Brain
Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA, explained the two main treatment pathways:
- IV Thrombolysis – Administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, this clot-busting drug can significantly reduce stroke-related disability if given early.
- Mechanical Thrombectomy (MT) – A highly effective option for severe strokes caused by large vessel blockages, MT can be performed up to 24 hours after stroke onset. However, it remains underutilized due to limited access in many regions.
Bridging the Access Gap: Global Advocacy for Mechanical Thrombectomy
Dr. Dileep Yavagal, a global advocate for equitable stroke care and founder of the Mission Thrombectomy Programme. He addressed the significant disparity in MT access.
“Despite being a decade-old proven treatment, only 2.79% of patients globally have access to MT. The cost to implement a thrombectomy system is modest. Yet, the impact is life-changing,” he noted.
Dr. Yavagal also emphasized the role of national policies in transforming stroke outcomes. He referenced the 2023 Lancet Commission Report. The report calls for pragmatic investments and reforms to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.4—reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases.
Encouragingly, he added, “We are in talks to include Mechanical Thrombectomy under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which could drastically improve access to this lifesaving treatment for millions in India.”
Empowering Change Through Education and Policy
The “Know Stroke – Beat Stroke” webinar proved to be a powerful platform for knowledge sharing and advocacy. As Dr. Sharma concluded, “This session is not just an eye-opener for the general public but also for frontline healthcare providers. Spreading awareness is crucial to reducing stroke-related disability and deaths. Encouraging early intervention will also make a significant impact across the country.”