Faridabad Chapter of ‘Mission Brain Attack’ Launched by Indian Stroke Association

Faridabad: The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) launched ‘Mission Brain Attack’ in Varanasi on May 24, a campaign aimed at enhancing stroke awareness and improving stroke care across India.

With the theme ‘Each One Teach One’, the initiative addresses the rising burden of stroke cases and highlights the importance of specialized training for healthcare professionals. The program focuses on stroke prevention, acute management, including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, and rehabilitation for those left with disabilities.

To further these efforts, ISA established its Faridabad Chapter, emphasizing public awareness and professional training in stroke care. Speaking at the launch, Dr Nirmal Surya, Consulting Neurophysician and President of ISA, said, "A stroke can have a devastating impact on one’s life if not managed on time. This initiative includes a series of hands-on workshops where healthcare professionals can practice and refine their skills in stroke management. Efforts are being taken to create a network of highly skilled healthcare professionals across India who will respond swiftly and effectively when a brain attack occurs."

Dr Surya highlighted the use of real-time case studies, workshops, webinars, and 24/7 access to updated guidelines as part of the initiative. He added, "A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is cut off, causing brain damage. Factors such as hypertension, high blood sugar, obesity, smoking, family history, and sedentary lifestyles raise the risk. This initiative is dedicated to spreading awareness among healthcare professionals and the public to catch more strokes in their early stages, where intervention can be most effective."

Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA, underscored the urgency of the issue, stating, "In India, every minute, three people experience a brain stroke. However, there are only about 4,000 to 5,000 neurologists nationwide to treat these patients within the critical 'golden window.' ISA has launched initiatives to educate doctors and the public on preventive measures and timely actions."

The campaign also draws attention to lifestyle factors contributing to the increasing incidence of strokes. Dr Sharma noted, "Previously, only 5% of strokes occurred in individuals aged 30-40, but this figure has now risen to 10-15%. Alarmingly, even those aged 20-30 are experiencing strokes."

‘Mission Brain Attack’ emphasizes timely intervention, particularly within the golden hour of 4 hours and 30 minutes, to minimize complications like paralysis, brain swelling, or speech disorders. The BEFAST acronym (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) is promoted for recognizing stroke symptoms promptly.