On the occasion of World Brain Day, observed on July 22 under the theme "Brain Health: Access for All," specialists at CARE Hospitals warned that while neurological care has advanced significantly, delayed recognition of symptoms continues to be one of the biggest reasons patients suffer permanent disability.
Stroke remains one of the most significant contributors to the neurological disease burden. India records an estimated 1.25 million new stroke cases annually, with experts noting a steady increase in younger adults due to hypertension, diabetes, obesity, stress, poor sleep, tobacco use and other lifestyle-related risk factors.
According to neurologists at CARE Hospitals, one of the biggest challenges is that many patients seek medical help only after developing paralysis, loss of consciousness, repeated seizures, severe speech difficulty or sudden vision loss. In many cases, patients first visit smaller healthcare facilities before being referred to advanced neuroscience centres, resulting in the loss of precious treatment time.
"We are increasingly seeing younger patients with stroke and other neurological disorders. Unfortunately, many people ignore persistent headaches, sudden weakness, numbness, slurred speech, unexplained seizures, dizziness or vision changes, assuming they are caused by stress or fatigue," said Dr. S. K. Jaiswal, Clinical Director and Head of Neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills.
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| Dr. S. K. Jaiswal, Clinical Director and Head of Neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills. |
He added that many patients reach hospitals only after paralysis has developed or when they can no longer speak, walk or remain conscious.
"One of the biggest challenges we face is that patients often reach us only after paralysis has developed. Others lose valuable time moving between multiple healthcare facilities before reaching a comprehensive neuroscience centre. In neurological emergencies, particularly stroke, every minute matters because delays can permanently damage the brain," Dr. Jaiswal said.
He stressed that controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol remain the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke and several neurological disorders.
Highlighting advances in neurological care, Dr. Mohammed Imran, Senior Consultant Neuro & Spine Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Nampally, said modern technologies have dramatically improved outcomes for patients with complex brain disorders.
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| Dr. Mohammed Imran, Senior Consultant Neuro & Spine Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, Nampally |
"Advanced MRI imaging, neuronavigation systems, operating microscopes, minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques and specialised neurocritical care have transformed the treatment of brain tumours, traumatic brain injuries, hydrocephalus and several other neurological conditions. Many disorders that were once considered difficult to treat can now be managed with greater precision and improved recovery. However, technology can only save lives when patients reach the right facility without delay," he said.
Dr. Imran noted that nearly 1.9 million brain cells are lost every minute during an untreated stroke, making the first 4.5 hours—the 'golden window'—critical for treatment.
"Reaching a comprehensive stroke-ready hospital as early as possible can make the difference between complete recovery and lifelong disability," he added.
Doctors urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden vision loss, severe headache, balance problems, unexplained seizures or sudden confusion.
They also emphasised that brain health begins with everyday lifestyle choices, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, quality sleep, stress management, routine health check-ups and effective control of hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol.
On World Brain Day, specialists reiterated that despite remarkable advances in neurology and neurosurgery, the greatest opportunity to reduce disability lies in recognising warning signs early and reaching an advanced neuroscience centre without delay. Improving public awareness and access to specialised neurological care, they said, remains essential to reducing India's growing burden of brain disorders.