Rising Stroke Cases Among Youth in Bihar Ahead of World Stroke Day
Doctors in Bihar report an alarming increase in stroke cases among younger individuals, attributed to lifestyle factors.
More young people in Bihar are suffering from strokes, with daily new cases reported.
Uncontrolled hypertension and lifestyle changes are major contributing factors.
Timely medical intervention is crucial for reducing mortality and disability.
In a concerning trend, medical professionals in Bihar are witnessing a rise in stroke cases among younger individuals, as the condition becomes less associated with old age. This alarming shift was highlighted ahead of World Stroke Day, with doctors attributing the increase to factors such as uncontrolled hypertension, high stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, and irregular sleep patterns.
Dr. Ashok Kumar, head of Neuro Medicine at IGIMS, reported that the institute sees one or two new stroke patients daily, emphasizing a significant change in the demographic profile of those affected. He stressed the importance of seeking immediate medical attention at the onset of symptoms, noting that prompt treatment can be life-saving and can help prevent long-term disabilities.
The prevalence of both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes remains a pressing issue in India. Dr. Kumar pointed out that haemorrhagic strokes, which result from bleeding in the brain, are particularly concerning. Meanwhile, Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, a former superintendent at PMCH, identified stress, decreased physical activity, and irregular sleep as key factors contributing to the rising incidence of strokes. He advocated for consistent physical activity over sporadic intense workouts to mitigate risks.
Additionally, the impact of excessive internet usage and disruptions to the body's natural sleep cycle were noted as detrimental to overall health. The post-Covid period has seen a notable increase in both stroke and cardiac cases, raising further concerns among healthcare providers. Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and disability globally, with India reporting an estimated incidence of 108-172 cases per 100,000 people annually, and a one-month fatality rate ranging from 18% to 42%.
Doctors emphasize that uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the primary risk factors for stroke. They urge the public to monitor their blood pressure regularly and to be vigilant for warning signs such as facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. Immediate medical attention is essential for anyone exhibiting these symptoms, even if they appear to improve temporarily.
