Stroke Warning Signs, Risk Factors, And Prevention: What Every Indian Adult Must Know

A stroke is not a sudden, unpredictable event. It is often the result of silent damage accumulating over time. Frequently described as a ‘brain attack,’ a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without swift medical intervention, this disruption can cause irreversible brain damage, affecting speech, movement, memory, and even survival.

In India, stroke continues to be a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Despite advances in treatment, delayed recognition remains one of the biggest barriers to recovery. Knowing the early signs and acting immediately can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong impairment.

Understanding What Happens During A Stroke

Explaining the mechanism, Dr. Shivananda Pai,

Interventional Neurologist at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, says, “A stroke occurs due to disease in the brain’s blood vessels, known as cerebrovascular disease. When blood flow is disrupted, brain cells are deprived of oxygen, leading to brain damage.”

Adding to this, Dr. Vuppu Ravikanth, Consultant – Neuro and Spine Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals, Vijayawada, notes, “Stroke happens either when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked by a clot or when bleeding occurs inside the brain. In both situations, brain tissue is destroyed.”

He further explains that strokes broadly fall into two categories: “Ischemic stroke accounts for nearly 87% of cases and occurs due to vessel blockage, while hemorrhagic stroke happens when a vessel ruptures, causing bleeding and pressure on the brain.”

The Warning Sign Called A Mini-Stroke

Not all strokes cause lasting damage, but they should never be ignored. Dr. Pai highlights the importance of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called mini-strokes. “A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms may last only a few minutes, but they are critical warning signs and should be treated as emergencies.”

Echoing this, Dr. Ravikanth adds, “Individuals who experience TIAs have up to ten times higher risk of developing a full-blown stroke.” Early medical evaluation after a TIA can significantly reduce future risk.

Recognising Stroke Early: BE FAST

Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and may come and go. According to Dr. Pai, “Immediate treatment, ideally within one hour, is crucial if symptoms such as sudden weakness, confusion, vision problems, or severe headache occur.”

Doctors recommend remembering the acronym BE FAST, as outlined by Dr. Ravikanth:

• Balance: Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
• Eyes: Blurred or double vision
• Face: Facial drooping or numbness
• Arm: Weakness or numbness in one limb
• Speech: Slurred speech or confusion
• Time: Act immediately and seek emergency care

“Stroke treatment is most effective when started within three hours of symptom onset,” he stresses.

Risk Factors That Increase Stroke Vulnerability

Hypertension remains the most significant modifiable risk factor. Dr. Ravikanth explains, “High blood pressure damages small brain vessels and is the leading controllable cause of stroke.” Other major risks include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation, and family history.

Dr. Pai emphasises prevention through daily habits, stating that lifestyle changes play a critical role in protecting brain health.

While stroke can be devastating, it is also largely preventable. Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in salt and cholesterol, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood pressure and diabetes can prevent up to 80 per cent of strokes. Stroke awareness is not just medical knowledge; it is a life-saving skill. Recognising symptoms early, responding without delay, and managing long-term risk factors can dramatically reduce death and disability. When it comes to stroke, every minute matters, and informed action can change outcomes for individuals and families alike.