Only 20% of stroke patients reach hospital in time, warn Hyderabad doctors
Doctors in Hyderabad have urged greater public awareness of stroke symptoms, early diagnosis and timely medical intervention, warning that delays in reaching a hospital can limit treatment options and affect recovery and long-term quality of life. The appeal came on World Stroke Day, observed annually on October 29, as hospitals across the city organised awareness programmes, walkathons and interactions with stroke survivors.
This year's global campaign theme, "Every M1nute Counts", underlined the importance of treating stroke as a medical emergency and seeking immediate medical attention rather than waiting for symptoms to subside.
Stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to the brain and is among the leading causes of death and long-term disability. Its warning signs include sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, drooping of one side of the face, slurred speech, loss of vision, severe headache and loss of balance. Because brain cells are lost rapidly during a stroke, the first few hours after symptoms begin are widely regarded as a critical window for clot-dissolving treatment and other emergency care.
Highlighting the challenge of delayed treatment, doctors at Care Hospitals cited an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) hospital-based stroke registry, which found that only about 20% of patients reached hospital within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms. The hospital also organised a walkathon at Malkam Cheruvu Park and a stroke awareness session featuring survivors who shared their experiences of treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.
KIMS Sunshine Hospital held an awareness walkathon. Its Managing Director, Dr A.V. Gurava Reddy, said disability caused by stroke could significantly affect not only patients but also their families. He stressed the importance of family members knowing the medications taken by elderly parents and ensuring that their health is monitored regularly.
Apollo Hospitals highlighted its 360-degree stroke care programme, which integrates emergency assessment, neuro-intensive care, specialised interventions, rehabilitation and home-based follow-up. The programme includes neuro-ICU monitoring, MRI-integrated operating theatre capabilities where applicable, robotic rehabilitation, physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, home nursing and remote monitoring.
Kamineni Hospitals focused on prevention, early recognition and adherence to treatment. Dr M. Lakshmi Lavanya, Senior Consultant Neurologist, said controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol through medical supervision and sustainable lifestyle changes could help reduce the risk of stroke.
According to the hospitals, the events were intended to help patients and their families recognise the warning signs, call for emergency help without delay and continue with rehabilitation, which can often be a long process. Doctors also noted that recovery depends heavily on how quickly a patient receives medical attention, making public awareness a key part of the response to stroke.
