Indian Stroke Association Calls for Faster Care as Stroke Cases Exceed 18 Lakh Annually
The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) called for heightened public awareness of early stroke symptoms and expanded medical training in tier-2 and tier-3 cities during the 12th ISA Stroke Summer School 2026, held in Khopoli from August 14 to 16.
Medical experts gathered at the three-day programme highlighted that India records more than 18 lakh stroke cases annually. Alarmingly, nearly 1 in 7 stroke patients is under the age of 45, while approximately 2 in 5 patients reach a hospital more than 24 hours after symptoms first appear, missing the critical window for intervention.
The association noted that it has already trained around 10,000 doctors in stroke management across the country, with ongoing efforts to expand this network. Around 100 physicians receive practical training through workshops and case discussions during each summer school programme under the guidance of senior stroke specialists.
Organised under the theme "From Fundamentals to Frontiers in Stroke Care," the conference brought together neurologists, neurointerventionalists, physicians, residents, and young consultants. Sessions focused on emergency stroke care, neuroimaging, intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, neurocritical care, neurointervention, rehabilitation, and secondary prevention.
Dr Vikram Huded, President of the ISA, emphasised that stroke can be effectively treated when identified early and managed within the golden treatment window. He also advocated for setting up dedicated neuro-rehabilitation centres in every district across the country to support recovery.
Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of the ISA, underscored the crucial importance of the first four hours following a stroke, stressing the need for community education to ensure patients reach medical care without delay.
Dr Nirmal Surya, Organising Secretary of the programme and Past President of the ISA, urged the public to recognise the BE FAST warning signs: sudden loss of Balance, changes in Eyes or vision, drooping of the Face, weakness or numbness in an Arm, and difficulty with Speech. The letter T stands for Time, signalling that immediate emergency hospital care is essential because every minute of delay leads to further loss of brain cells.
