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World Stroke Day 2024: A Call to Act “BEFAST” to Save Lives

By Dr. Shamsher Dwivedee in Neurosciences , Neurology

Oct 25 , 2024 | 5 min read

Every year, millions of people around the world are impacted by brain strokes, with one in four adults experiencing it at some point in their lifetime. According to a recent report, brain strokes have become one of the leading causes of death and disability in India with the annual incidence of stroke estimated to be approximately 145 per 100,000 population. Unfortunately, despite the increasing instances of strokes, many people are still unaware of its warning signs and the significance of taking immediate action when a stroke strikes. This is when World Stroke Day comes into play. 

What is World Stroke Day?

Observed on the 29th of October every year, World Stroke Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about strokes and their impact on individuals and communities. The day also focuses on spreading awareness about stroke, its preventive measures, early detection, and treatment options, ensuring better care and support for the survivors. Organised every year by the World Stroke organisation (WSO), this day brings an opportunity for healthcare professionals, organisations, and communities to come together and educate people about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors associated with strokes, with an ultimate goal to reduce the number of cases of this life-altering condition. 

Theme of World Stroke Day 2024

Every year, World Stroke Day has a specific theme assigned to the day, which helps unify global awareness campaigns and focus efforts on a common goal. For the year 2024, the theme for the day is #GreaterThanStroke, centred around the idea of harnessing the emotional power of sports to increase awareness about strokes and its preventive measures. The focus is on encouraging people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives to reduce the risk of stroke and promote a healthier lifestyle. 

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. The lack of blood supply prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, because of which the brain cells begin to die, leading to potentially irreversible damage to brain cells and possible other parts of the body. If not treated immediately, strokes can lead to long-term disability, paralysis, and even death. 

What are the Types of Strokes?

There are three types of strokes:

 Ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, which occurs when a blood clot (known as thrombus) or the buildup of plaques (known as atherosclerosis) blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain. This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the affected part of the brain, causing brain cells in that part to die. There are two main causes of Ischemic stroke 

  1. Thrombotic Stroke - Occurs due to the formation of a blood clot directly in one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
  2. Embolic Stroke - Occurs when a clot or debris forms elsewhere in the body (usually in the heart) and travels to the brain, blocking a narrow brain artery. 

Hemorrhagic stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke is a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding (haemorrhage) in and around the brain. While this type of stroke is less common as compared to ischemic stroke, it is more deadly and can lead to severe brain damage. 

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

TIA, also known as “mini-stroke”, occurs when a person faces a temporary disruption of the blood flow to the brain. The blockage in TIA is brief and its symptoms usually subside within a few minutes to a few hours, mostly without causing permanent damage. However, a TIA can serve as a warning sign of a future stroke, with 1 in 12 people who experience TIA experiencing a stroke within a year.

Warning Signs & Symptoms of Strokes

While stroke can be life-threatening, identifying the signs and symptoms of a stroke when it occurs can save lives. A person can be saved if the treatment is given soon after the stroke. It is, therefore, important to look for these signs and symptoms if you think you or someone you know is having a stroke:

  • Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying
  • Numbness, weakness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
  • Problem seeing from one or both eyes
  • A sudden and severe headache
  • Difficulty walking, or loss of balance

Using the “BEFAST” Method to Identify Warning Signs and Symptoms 

“BEFAST” is an acronym used to help people recognize the most common signs of stroke and take immediate action. Here’s what BEFAST stands for:

  • Balance loss of coordination
  • Eyes vision changes
  • Facial drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call emergency service

This method is promoted during World Stroke Day to raise awareness about the importance of quickly identifying stroke symptoms and seeking medical intervention. 

Risk Factors of Strokes

While anyone can have a stroke, there are certain risk factors that increase your chance of getting a stroke. These include:

  • Family history of heart attack
  • Being overweight or obese 
  • Physically inactive 
  • Drinking alcohol heavily
  • Smoking 
  • High blood pressure 
  • Recreational drug use 
  • High cholesterol
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea 
  • Heart disease 

Preventive Measures 

Just like any other health condition, stroke too can be prevented through healthy lifestyle changes and working with your healthcare team to manage health conditions that raise the risk of stroke. Some of the preventive measures for stroke include: 

  • Controlling high blood pressure
  • Managing cholesterol 
  • Maintaining a healthy weight 
  • Quit smoking 
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Controlling diabetes
  • Staying physically active

The Effects of Stroke on Young Adults

While stroke is generally associated with old age, recent research shows that among all the cases of stroke reported every year, 10-15% are stroke cases in younger people, in their 20s, 30, and 40s. Stroke cases in young adults are rising mostly because of a number of factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy eating habits, high cholesterol, undiagnosed heart conditions, and increased prevalence of obesity and hypertension. The increasing number of strokes in younger people underscores the need for heightened awareness, better lifestyle choices, and early intervention in young adults. 

When to See a Doctor?

As soon as you notice any symptoms of stroke, think BEFAST and seek emergency medical attention. Even if the symptoms may seem to come and go or disappear completely, it’s still important to consult a doctor, as the symptoms could be a warning sign of a major stroke. 

Conclusion 

A stroke can be a life changing event, which can affect you emotionally as much as it can physically. This World Stroke Day, let’s educate ourselves and others about stroke and its preventive measures, and help reduce the increasing cases of strokes. By knowing the warning signs and acting swiftly whenever a stroke occurs, we can minimise the effects of strokes and can save lives. If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of a stroke, consultat a specialist at Max Hospitals without wasting any time. Remember, when it comes to strokes, every minute counts. So, act “BEFAST”.