VISAKHAPATNAM: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India and world-over. According a recent population-based study, incidence rate recorded is 119-145 per 1 lakh . Recognising stroke symptoms early, can be the key to preventing a needless death and recovering from stroke by treatment within the golden hour.However, 80% of strokes are preventable but as per surveys conducted, only 55% of the urban population is aware of one warning symptom of stroke.The World Stroke Organisation took the theme ‘Up again after stroke’, on the occasion of World Stroke Day, to stress on the importance of rehabilitation and support stroke survivors and care-givers to achieve the best possible quality of life after stroke. In India, organised counselling for caregivers of stroke patients is rare and it should be part of rehabilitation process, say doctors.A stroke is a rapidly developing loss of brain function due to interruption of blood supply to the brain.“Around 80 % strokes are ischemic, while about 20 % are haemorrhages. In ischemic stroke, a clot blocks the blood vessels in the brain while in case of haemorrhagic stroke, the blood vessels in the brain bursts and gets clotted in the brain.Dr Ch Vijay, consultant neurologist at Kims Icon Hospital, Vizag, said, “In India, awareness of the warning symptoms of stroke among general public is far from satisfactory. Stroke symptoms can be identified by the acronym ‘Be FAST,’ that is Loss for Balance.

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