By – Dr Amit Shrivastav, Director and Head of Department, Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Stroke
is a medical emergency and every 40 seconds, someone in the country suffers a
stroke, and every four minutes, someone loses their life to it. This year,
World Stroke Day highlights the transformative theme, “#GreaterThan Stroke
Active Challenge,” a call to empower communities around the world to embrace
sports and physical activity as a vital force in stroke prevention and
rehabilitation. With stroke remaining one of the leading causes of death and
long-term disability, this campaign underscores how an active lifestyle is not
only a preventive tool but also an aid to recovery, empowering people to push
beyond the limitations of stroke.
By
bringing attention to the benefits of physical activity in managing stroke risk
and supporting recovery, this year’s World Stroke Day encourages individuals,
families, and communities to come together to address stroke proactively.
Understanding Stroke: The Importance of Immediate Action
A
stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, either by a
clot in the case of an ischemic stroke or by a ruptured blood vessel, causing a
hemorrhagic stroke. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and
nutrients, leading to cell death within minutes. As stroke attacks brain
tissue, it can result in physical disabilities, speech and memory problems, and
other long-lasting effects. The severity depends on the extent and location of
brain damage, but timely intervention is crucial in reducing the chances of
severe disability or death.
Raising
awareness among the public about the acronym – “FAST” Face drooping, Arm
weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services—can save
lives. Knowing these signs helps individuals take swift action and improves the
chances of timely treatment.
Physical Activity as a Key Player in Stroke Prevention
Stroke
is often preventable and that lifestyle choices play a major role in reducing
one’s risk. According to the American Heart Association, physical activity can
lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and
obesity—all major contributors to stroke risk. Regular activity improves
cardiovascular health by enhancing blood flow, lowering inflammation, and
improving the function of blood vessels.
For
those seeking to prevent stroke, aiming for at least 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity exercise per week can significantly reduce risk. Activities
like walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are not only enjoyable but
effective in keeping the body active. Strengthening the heart and maintaining a
healthy weight have shown to be crucial factors in lowering stroke risk. But
beyond these well-known benefits, sports and physical activities provide a
sense of community, accountability, and motivation, helping people make
physical activity a sustainable part of their lives.
The Role of Exercise in Stroke Rehabilitation
Exercise
is not only preventive but a rehabilitative tool as well. For stroke survivors,
engaging in movement aids in the process of neuroplasticity, the brain’s
ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Physical
activity helps survivors regain mobility, strength, and confidence.
Rehabilitation through exercise enhances brain function by improving blood flow
to affected areas, encouraging new pathways to form and aiding the recovery of
skills lost to stroke.
Rehabilitation
exercises focus on controlled movement, balance, and strength training. For
example, hand exercises or leg lifts can help with regaining the strength
needed for daily tasks, while aerobic exercises like walking or stationary
biking can improve cardiovascular health and boost mood. Simple balance
exercises can also make a world of difference for survivors facing mobility
challenges, and gentle yoga has been shown to reduce stress and improve
flexibility. Joining a group exercise program or working with physical
therapists trained in stroke recovery further amplifies these benefits,
providing stroke survivors with structured and supportive environments to
rebuild strength and independence.
Traditionally,
stroke treatment windows were narrow, limited to 4.5 hours for intravenous
thrombolysis and six hours for mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive
procedure to physically remove clots. This constrained time frame left many
patients who couldn’t access immediate care or who experienced strokes during
sleep without critical treatment options. However, recent advancements in
medical science have extended the treatment window for ischemic stroke to up to
24 hours, offering new hope to patients who would otherwise be beyond reach.
Advanced
imaging tools, such as perfusion CT and MRI, can now identify “penumbra”—the
brain tissue that is still viable but at risk of irreversible damage. This
allows medical professionals to assess which patients could benefit from
treatment, even if they arrive at the hospital well after traditional
timeframes. Mechanical thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure where
doctors use a stent retriever to remove a clot, has shown effectiveness up to
24 hours after stroke onset in certain patients. This breakthrough has
significantly improved stroke care, offering a new chance for recovery and a
reduced risk of long-term disability for patients who might have otherwise been
considered ineligible for treatment.
Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital has recently upgraded its neurosciences Department, with a full team of Senior Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, trained Spine surgeon, Neuro Intensivists taken on board, who offer a wide range of specialised Neurological, surgical, neuro intervention, and minimally invasive Surgery and Neuro critical care in this region. With the launch of its dedicated stroke clinic, the Hospital has become a 24X7 stroke ready centre.