Strokes Rising Among Young Adults, Warn GIMSR Doctors

Doctors at the GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) have warned that strokes are increasingly affecting young adults. They said lifestyle changes, poor awareness, and hidden health issues are driving the rise.

The experts spoke at an awareness event held on Thursday at GITAM Hospital to mark World Stroke Day. The program aimed to help people recognize early signs of stroke and learn preventive steps.

GIMSR Dean Dr. S. P. Rao and neurologists Dr. V. Deepthi and Dr. Vijaya Bhaskara Rao said stroke is no longer an illness of the elderly. Many people under 45 are now suffering strokes during the most active years of their lives.

They highlighted key causes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and heart disease. Emerging risk factors include poor sleep, chronic stress, long screen hours, lack of exercise, poor oral hygiene, drug use, and air pollution.

Doctors urged people to remember the acronym “BE FAST” to detect a stroke quickly: Balance loss, Eye vision changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to rush to the hospital.

“Stroke is a medical emergency. Acting fast can save lives and prevent disability,” they emphasized.

GIMSR Hospital treats nearly 500 stroke patients each year. It provides advanced stroke treatments such as IV thrombolysis, mechanical clot removal, and cutting-edge scans like CT and MR angiography.

Doctors explained that the first 4.5 hours after a stroke—known as the “golden window”—are crucial. Quick treatment during this period can prevent paralysis and save brain cells. “Every minute matters. Time is brain,” they reminded.

The event ended with an appeal to the public to stay proactive about their health. Doctors advised regular health check-ups, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining physical activity, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.