October 29 is observed as the World Stroke Day, annually. This day is recognized throughout the world and is observed to increase awareness of one of the leading causes of death and disability. A stroke could happen to anyone, at any place, yet many people are not aware of the risk factors. This is why this day is observed worldwide, to bring attention on the warning signs and stroke prevention.Also Read: One Long Walk Over Few Short Strolls Could Keep Your Heart HealthyWhat Is The BEFAST Trick To Notice Stroke Signs?Talking about warning signs, Dr Deep Das, a Neurologist at CMRI Kolkata says that the BEFAST trick could work best to notice for any early stroke system. BEFAST stands for:B - BalanceE - Eye or visionF - Face; Dr Das suggests to notice if the face becomes distortedA - Arm; the doctor suggests to check for weakness or loss of gripS - Speech; the suggestion is to look for slurred or unclear speech T - Time; the key is to act immediately without wasting anytime"What makes a real difference is how quickly a stroke is diagnosed," notes Dr Das. The doctor also points out that with the advent of AI, the diagnosis could be done way faster. "Traditionally, stroke diagnosis and treatment have relied heavily on clinical expertise and imaging techniques, which could sometimes lead to delays in decision-making. AI has significantly enhanced these processes by providing rapid image analysis and predicting stroke outcomes with high accuracy."World Stroke Day 2025: ThemeThis year, the theme is 'Every Minute Counts'. The theme emphasizes on recognizing the symptoms and act fast on it, exactly what Dr Das also pointed out. On this, Dr Anjani Kumar Sharma, Director of Neuroscience at CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur says, "World Stroke Day serves as a powerful reminder that stroke is a medical emergency that can affect anyone, anywhere, but it is also largely preventable." This is why every minute spent is crucial.Also Read: The 'BEFAST' Trick Could Help You Detect Your Stroke Before It Happens, According To Doctor Dr Sharma says, "The acronym FAST, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services — should be known to everyone." The doctor further adds that nearly 80% of strokes can be prevented through simple but consistent measures: controlling blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing cholesterol. "Stroke is not the end," notes the doctor, "with timely medical intervention and focused rehabilitation, patients can regain independence and quality of life". World Stroke Day Origin And ImportanceThe idea to celebrate a stroke day was initiated back in 2006 by global health leaders who recognized the importance of launching global movements and advocate against strokes. This has led to it being an important health event that focuses on educating the public on stroke warning signs, promoting prevention by keeping a healthy diet, as well as supporting survivors. "As neurologists, we witness every day how stroke can strike suddenly, disrupting not only the life of an individual but also their family and community. Yet, what is heartening is that stroke is preventable, treatable, and increasingly survivable when recognized early," notes Dr Pushkar Gupta, Direct of Neurology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur. The doctor says that the message for World Stroke Day is clear - to spread awareness and save lives.
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