Acting FAST Can Turn A Stroke Into A Story Of Survival

Ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29, medical experts, including neurologists, have emphasised that recognising the early signs of stroke — encapsulated in the acronym FAST — and responding without delay can make the difference between life and death. This message aligns with this year’s theme, “Every Minute Counts.”

Dr. Sunil Kumar Baranwal, Director and Head of Neurosurgery, Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, Delhi, explained that the acronym FAST stands for F – facial drooping, A – arm weakness, S – speech difficulty, and T – time to act fast.

Dr. Baranwal urged that this approach should be adopted immediately whenever a person shows symptoms of a stroke. “If any of these signs appear, the individual must be taken to a hospital without delay. Treatment within the first 4.5 hours of stroke onset can save lives and prevent long-term disability,” he said. India records a brain stroke every 20 seconds, amounting to over 18 lakh new cases each year.

Dr. P Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), emphasized that a brain stroke can strike anyone — regardless of age, gender, education, or economic status. She noted that ischemic stroke remains the most common form in India. However, despite advances in treatment, only about 1% of eligible patients receive intravenous thrombolysis — a clot-busting injection that can significantly improve recovery if administered within the golden window of 4.5 hours after symptom onset.

The medical experts pitched for timely intervention in cases of intracerebral haemorrhage, the deadliest form of stroke caused by brain bleeding.

Dr. Rajat Chopra, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Model Town, echoed Dr Vijaya’s observation stating that stroke is no longer a disease confined to the elderly. “The number of stroke cases among young people is increasing rapidly,” he said. “Between 1990 and 2021, the incidence of stroke rose from 90 to 145 cases per 100,000 population, while the number of people living with stroke-related disabilities nearly doubled from 4.4 million to 9.4 million.”

For those currently living with the consequences of stroke, the impact can be devastating, affecting mobility, speech, and cognitive function. According to the World Stroke Organization (WSO), one in four adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.

Poor lifestyle, people with co-morbidities due to non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and snoring during sleep (sleep apnea in medical term) have strong link with stroke. Stress and winters too can increase stroke risk.

“Snoring during sleep should not be taken lightly,” Dr. Chopra cautioned. “Sleep apnea, in particular, is a major risk factor and can raise the chances of stroke up to fourfold. Nearly 50–60% of stroke patients are found to have sleep apnea. Every year, India reports around 1.75 to 1.85 million new stroke cases, and one person dies from a stroke every four minutes.”

He explained that sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and inflammation — all of which strain the brain’s blood vessels and increase stroke risk. “Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent serious consequences and save lives,” he said.

Dr. Baranwal also highlighted the rising incidence of stroke among women, pointing to significant gender disparities. Citing data from 2019, he said women accounted for nearly 56% of total stroke cases. “One in every five women suffers a stroke in her lifetime, and the lifetime risk among women aged 25 years and above is 25.1%,” he noted.

Women between 25 and 44 years face a higher risk of stroke compared to men of the same age group, and the risk rises further after 45, partly because women tend to live longer. Hormonal changes after menopause, pregnancy-related complications, use of oral contraceptives, migraines with aura, and autoimmune disorders were cited as major contributing factors.

Dr. Chopra added that symptoms such as migraine, depression, or anxiety are often overlooked as normal, though they can be early indicators of stroke. He urged women to pay attention to such changes and undergo regular screening to manage risks on time.

Stressing that awareness and lifestyle modification remain the most effective defences against stroke, he recommended a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, and periodic health check-ups.

“Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol too helps,” he said. “A diet low in salt and saturated fats, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, can significantly lower the risk.”

Adequate sleep and stress management, he added, are equally important. “Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Yoga, meditation, and regular monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar can go a long way in prevention. By staying vigilant and proactive, people can protect themselves from stroke and lead healthier lives,” Dr. Chopra said.

Dr. Khyatee, Ex–Senior Research Officer, AIIMS Delhi, and Founder, Pratyaksh Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre, talked about the importance of physiotherapy post-stroke. Calling it as one of the strongest pillars in the rehabilitation journey of stroke patients, she said, “physiotherapy sessions can transform despair into determination and immobility into independence.”

Through scientific techniques and compassionate care, physiotherapy helps reawaken dormant muscles, retrain the nervous system, and rebuild lost functions. It empowers patients to regain balance, coordination, and confidence — not just in their movement, but in their lives, she explained.

“Beyond physical recovery, added benefits are restoration of hope, dignity, and the belief that recovery is possible,” Dr. Khyatee added.