The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) research survey conducted by IPSOS, a leading market research agency, reveals that Bengaluru reported to have the highest levels of awareness of 60 per cent on stroke. This was attributed to the right education on the causes, symptoms and the immediate treatment required for stroke. Almost 68 per cent of people in the city were aware about the fact that a stroke could occur without pain and often go undiagnosed.

The survey was conducted across men and women aged between 25-50 years from the city. It mainly captured the respondents’ awareness & understanding of the term “Stroke”, its symptoms, perceived causes, the prevailing knowledge about treatment options and their experiences with stroke sufferers.

The primary symptoms of a stroke are sudden onset of facial weakness, arm drift and abnormal speech. According to a World Stroke Association survey in 2011, only 6.2 per cent of people recognised stroke symptoms. The citizens in the city were aware of the stroke symptoms. They knew about the immediate measures to be taken when a person suffered from a stroke. Rushing to the nearest hospital is the measure that 86 per cent of the respondents suggest, however not many knew about the Stroke Excellence Centres that are operational across hospitals in Bengaluru.

“Based on IPSOS survey, 68 per cent associated stroke with the brain, followed by Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. Hyderabad and Delhi had the lowest levels of awareness. 12 per cent were aware that hand or leg paralysis is a symptom of brain stroke, and early treatment of stroke can prevent disability. However not many are aware that stroke is a multidisciplinary approach and good stroke units to make a difference in patient management within 60 minutes,” said Dr. Vikram Huded, head of interventional neurology and stroke, Narayana Hrudalaya Institute of Neuroscience.

Dr. Lokesh Bathala, senior consultant neurologist & chief of stroke and neurosonology, BGS Global Hospital said,“Timely identification of the patient by FAST which is Face, Arm, Speech and Time are important. The time window for treatment only about 4.5 hours making the treatment extremely time sensitive.”

The doctors reiterated that at the very first symptom of a stroke, the family of the patient needs to rush to a proper hospital with a CT scan facility.

Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, consultant neurologist, Columbia Asia Hospitals said that while acute treatment of stroke is important it is also equally vital to prevent it with lifestyle modification, antihypertensive therapy, smoking cessation, diabetes and hyperlipidemia treatment. In Bengaluru, preventing 25 per cent of strokes would save 10 fold cost than treating with thrombolysis.