Less than one in four Indians are aware of stroke symptoms, a new survey pointing at the lack of awareness around brain conditions has found.
The survey conducted by IPSOS across 12 Indian cities revealed that only 22 per cent of respondents were aware of the risk factors and symptoms of stroke. The awareness levels drop to just 10 per cent regarding the treatment options.
The findings pointed to lower awareness levels of the condition, particularly in lower socio-economic classes.
The report also mentioned that only 41 per cent of the respondents consider stroke a cause of concern, with only 23 per cent of respondents aware of risk factors.
Stroke is the second most common cause of death after coronary artery disease (CAD) in India. Between 1996-2019, there has been a 100 per cent increase in stroke cases in the country and according to the Indian Stroke Association, approximately 1.8 million people in India suffer from stroke.
“The number of stroke cases in India has increased over the past few years,” said Shirish Hastak, regional director at the neurology and stroke department of the Global Hospital, Mumbai.
“Greater awareness around the disease, its symptoms, risk factors and treatment will be needed, as improved knowledge of stroke will not only help people identify the condition but will also help save lives.”
The pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim India, released the findings ahead of World Brain Day, 2022.
Shraddha Bhure, the company’s medical director, said: “Brain stroke is a serious medical emergency which could result in devastating disabilities. In a country like India, where its incidences are on the rise, addressing an episode of stroke in a timely manner can go a long way.”
