THE GOAN
PANAJI
Imagine reaching for a cup of tea and suddenly being unable to lift your arm. You try to speak, but the words come out slurred. One side of your face begins to droop, or the room seems to spin as you struggle to keep your balance. These may not be signs of tiredness or a passing spell of dizziness. They could be the first signs of a stroke, when every passing minute can affect a person’s chances of recovery. Observed on October 29, World Stroke Day 2026 carries the message ‘Every Minute Counts’, highlighting the importance of recognising stroke symptoms and acting quickly. Globally, nearly 12 million people experience a stroke every year, while one in four adults faces a lifetime risk of stroke. Delays in treatment can increase the risk of lasting brain damage and disability.
Recognising the signs
Dr Amrut SD, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Goa, says recognising the warning signs is the first step towards getting timely medical attention. “We can remember the warning signs as BE-FAST,” he says. The acronym stands for sudden Balance difficulties, Eye or vision problems, Facial drooping, Arm or leg weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to act. Symptoms may include sudden loss of balance, blurred or double vision, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, or a sudden severe headache. Even one of these symptoms warrants immediate medical attention. “If anyone notices this, rush to a higher-end facility,” Dr Amrut says. A person suspected of having a stroke should be taken to a hospital immediately rather than being made to wait to see whether the symptoms improve. Food, water and medication, including aspirin, should not be given, as swallowing may be impaired and the stroke could involve bleeding. He points out that the exact time the symptoms began, or when the person was last seen well, should also be noted to help doctors determine the most appropriate treatment.
Types of stroke
A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel ruptures, causing brain damage. Explaining the condition, Dr Amrut says, “A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel ruptures, causing brain damage.” An ischaemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks blood flow, while a haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel bursts. The treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the person reaches hospital. Eligible patients may receive clot-busting medication, while selected patients may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove the clot. Some patients can undergo this procedure up to 24 hours after they were last known to be well, depending on medical assessment and brain imaging.
Understanding risk factors
Although the risk of stroke rises with age, it is not limited to older people. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and an irregular heartbeat are among the major risk factors. Family history, age,e and certain genetic or blood disorders can also contribute. Lifestyle choices play a significant role, too. “Smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity and excessive alcohol consumption increase the risk,” Dr Amrut says. He adds that controlling risk factors through healthy habits and timely medical care can help prevent many strokes.
Vaccines and stroke
Questions have also been raised about a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and stroke. Dr Amrut says, “Rare blood-clotting (thrombosis) complications, particularly with adenovirus-vector vaccines, have been associated with unusual clotting events leading to stroke.” However, large studies have not established a consistent overall increase in stroke risk following COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 infection itself can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Dr Amrut notes that the benefits of vaccination generally outweigh these rare risks and that any suspected adverse event should be medically evaluated.
Prevention matters
Many stroke risk factors can be managed through lifestyle changes and timely medical care. While age and family history cannot be changed, controlling blood pressure, diabetes, es and cholesterol, avoiding smoking, and remaining physically active can help lower the risk. Sudden symptoms should never be ignored, even if they disappear after a short time. This World Stroke Day, the message is simple: learn the BE-FAST warning signs, act immediately, and reach a stroke-capable hospital without delay. Recognising the symptoms and seeking treatment in time can help save lives and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
