Stroke Is The Number One Cause Of Disability

Did you know that a brain attack, better known as a stroke, strikes someone every 40 seconds around the world? And while many survive, life afterward can look very different. Stroke doesn’t just stop at being a medical emergency, it often becomes a long-term struggle. In fact, stroke has now become the number one cause of disability across the globe. Especially when we talk about the cause of disability in India, stroke stands tall as a major concern.

In this blog, we will explore why stroke is such a leading health issue, how it damages the brain, the types of disabilities it causes, and what can be done to prevent or reduce its impact. We’ll also take a closer look at how India is coping with stroke-related challenges.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This sudden stop in blood supply causes damage to brain cells within minutes.

What Happens in the Brain During a Stroke?

When a stroke occurs:

• The brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients.
• Cells begin to die rapidly in the affected area.
• This leads to neurological damage that may be permanent.

Even a small stroke can have serious effects if it hits a crucial brain area. This damage can affect memory, movement, or speech.

How Does Stroke Lead to Long-Term Disability?

Stroke damages the part of the brain that controls body functions. This leads to long-lasting impairments.

• Trouble with movement or walking
• Speech and language difficulties
• Memory and thinking problems
• Emotional changes

Why Stroke is the Leading Cause of Disability?

Stroke leaves a long-lasting mark on the brain. It damages the very center of our body’s control system. This is what makes it a leading cause of disability.

What Makes Stroke Different from Other Causes of Disability?

• Stroke affects multiple body systems all at once.
• It often happens suddenly and without warning.
• Recovery can take months or years, and is often incomplete.
• It can affect both young and old.

Unlike a broken bone or injury, stroke often means a lifetime of therapy and adjustments.

Which Body Functions Are Most Commonly Affected?

All of these effects make stroke the top cause of disability globally.

How Permanent is the Disability After a Stroke?

• Some people recover fully with rehab.
• Others live with partial or full disability.
• Only about 10% of stroke survivors make a full recovery.

Disability may improve over time but rarely returns to pre-stroke levels completely.

What Do WHO, CDC & Indian Health Data Say?

• According to WHO 2023, stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability (measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)).
• CDC reports nearly 800,000 people have a stroke every year in the U.S. alone.
• In India, over 1.8 million people suffer from strokes every year (ICMR, 2024).

Stroke as a Leading Cause of Disability in India

When it comes to the cause of disability in India, stroke has emerged as one of the most threatening health conditions.

How Prevalent Is Stroke in India Today?

• Stroke affects 145 to 154 people per 100,000 population in India.
• Annual stroke deaths have crossed 700,000, according to stroke statistics in India 2024.

These numbers show why stroke is a major cause of disability in India.

What Demographic Is Most Affected?

• Mostly people aged 45 and above.
• Stroke cases are rising among stroke in young adults too.
• Rural populations suffer more due to lack of awareness.

How Is Stroke Awareness and Treatment Lagging in India?

• Lack of public knowledge about F.A.S.T. stroke signs.
• Poor access to emergency care in rural areas.
• Limited availability of neurologists.

India needs more programs focused on stroke awareness in India.

Challenges Faced by Stroke Survivors in Indian Healthcare

• Rehab centers are few and under-equipped.
• Poor post-stroke care planning.
• Family members are often untrained to handle care.
• Health insurance coverage is limited for rehab treatments.

Can Stroke Be Really Serious?

If I were to say stroke disability is terrible, you will probably not believe me. Being in touch with a neurosurgeon in Patna is suggested. Luckily, some studies have made my job easier. According to a study done by researchers in 2006 in the USA, a patient with ischemic stroke loses 190,00,00 brain cells every minute, about 14000,000,000 nerve connections are destroyed every minute, and 12 km (7.5 miles) nerve fibers are lost every minute. The end result is, the patient gets paralyzed for life and becomes dependent. That’s pretty scary!!! One should be aware of symptoms that cause brain haemorrhage . If the caregiver does not understand english they   should be explained the brain attack symptoms in hindi. 

How Do You Recognise Stroke?

STROKE: REMEMBER THE 6 S METHOD TO DIAGNOSE STROKE

• SUDDEN (symptoms usually start suddenly)
• SLURRED SPEECH (speech is not clear, as if drunk)
• SIDE WEAK (face, arm, or leg, or all three on one side, can get weak)
• SPINNING (VERTIGO)
• Severe headache
• SECONDS (note the time when the symptoms start and rush to the hospital)

Is There Any Treatment For Stroke?

85% of all strokes are ischemic (blocked blood vessels); the treatment depends on stroke classification or which kind of stroke the person has had. For stroke disease treatment there is an option of intravenous medication called tPA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator), which is given to the patient 3 to 4.5 hours before the onset of the symptoms. The patients who have a blockage in a large blood vessel are offered a mechanical thrombectomy procedure, which involves removing the blockage in the blood vessel and restoring the blood supply. This procedure is performed by a brain specialist doctor in Faridabad using a small nick in the groin, and there is no open surgery involved. Recent trials have shown that patients do exceedingly well post mechanical thrombectomy and have a greater chance of living independently. It’s better to consult a neurologist doctor in Jaipur or one amongst the top 5 neurologist in Patna beforehand.

The most important part of stroke care is not the doctor or hospital; it is the Patient. As most stroke attacks that occur are painless, patients tend to ignore their symptoms and delay their treatment. The caretaker should make a list of the best food for strengthening nerves and follow diet accordingly. If the patient and family are aware of the stroke symptoms, they can reach the hospital in time and get themselves treated. One should be aware of the aspartame side effects on the brain. 

Till What Time Can You Do Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Mechanical Thrombectomy can now be offered up to 24 hours from the onset of the symptoms but, the sooner it’s done better, the patient does. To know more, you shouldn’t hesitate consulting neuro physician in jaipur.

What Is The Single Most Important Factor In Stroke Care?

The most important part of stroke care is not the doctor or the hospital; it’s the patient! As most strokes are painless, patients tend to ignore their symptoms and hence delay the treatment. If the patient and the family are aware of stroke symptoms, they can reach the hospital and get treated. One should also be aware of stroke facts like aspartame side effects on the brain and how aspartame slows metabolism.

For any queries or questions regarding stroke like can a neck massage cause a stroke, which mattress is good for spondylitis or other related health issues like elders dural one shouldn’t hesitate to consult a reputed online neurologist . You can also book teleconsultation services to treat further complications.

Originally Published On Max HealthCare – Stroke Is The Number One Cause Of Disability

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