Four out of ten stroke patients in Gujarat are under 50

Cases of stroke have been rising alarmingly across Gujarat in recent years, alongside heart-related ailments. This year alone, 10,098 stroke emergencies have been reported in the state. 

On average, 35 people seek emergency medical assistance from the ‘108’ service every day for paralysis or stroke. Strikingly, four out of every ten stroke patients are now under the age of 50. On World Stroke Day today, the trend underscores a growing public health concern.

1.6 million stroke cases in India annually

Data from the 108 emergency services reveals that Ahmedabad tops the list with 9,968 stroke emergencies, followed by Surat (3,717) and Vadodara (2,441). This means Ahmedabad alone sees an average of ten stroke emergencies daily.

According to the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), India records over 1.6 million new stroke cases every year — a staggering national burden.

Rising stroke risk linked to lifestyle

Once known as an ailment of the elderly, stroke is increasingly affecting younger populations, driven by modern lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic stress.

Health experts also cite smoking and alcohol consumption as major contributors to the growing risk.

Two key treatments for acute stroke

Doctors emphasise that stroke is now largely a lifestyle-related condition, and early recognition and intervention are critical.

Modern stroke care primarily relies on two treatment options for acute ischemic stroke:

IV Thrombolysis: A clot-dissolving drug administered intravenously that helps restore blood flow. When given promptly—ideally within 4.5 hours of symptom onset—it can significantly reduce brain damage.

Mechanical Thrombectomy: A minimally invasive procedure that physically removes a blood clot from a blocked brain artery to restore circulation.

Recognising the warning signs: BEFAST

Doctors recommend remembering the acronym BEFAST to quickly identify stroke symptoms:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of coordination or balance

E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision

F – Face: Facial drooping on one side

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred or impaired speech

T – Time: Seek immediate medical attention

The ‘golden hour’ can save lives

The first 60 minutes after a stroke, often called the “golden hour”, are crucial. Administering clot-dissolving medication or performing a mechanical thrombectomy during this window can restore blood flow to the brain and dramatically reduce the risk of permanent damage or disability.