One in four affected by stroke globally: Expert

VIJAYAWADA: Various organisations conducted awareness sessions and seminars in connection with World Stroke Day on Tuesday. In a seminar titled ‘Stroke - Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods’ organised by Humanity Voluntary Service and the Service Health Organisation at Guntur, renowned neurologist Dr N. Sharath Chandrakumar said one in every four individuals worldwide is affected by stroke. He added that with proper precautionary measures, many could be saved.

Dr Sharath said that immediate medical attention can often lead to significant recovery, while neglect could prevent complete recovery. He stressed that public education on stroke prevention is crucial, as well as advocating for daily exercise, adherence to dietary guidelines, and managing blood pressure and diabetes.

Service Health Organisation president Dr T. Sevakumar stressed the need to educate the public. Humanity Voluntary Service chairman T. Dhanunjaya Reddy, who presided over the seminar, said that deficiencies in scientific awareness are often the root cause of various health issues.

In a separate event, the Vijayawada division of the South Central Railway (SCR) conducted an awareness programme at the new OPD block of the Divisional Railway Hospital in Vijayawada, under the guidance of chief medical superintendent Dr M. Sowribala. The programmed was aimed at raising awareness among railway beneficiaries about stroke, its complications and prevention measures.

Dr M. Jaideep, ACMS (health and family welfare), spoke about the prevalence of stroke in India. Medstar Hospital consultant neurologist Dr B. Hemeswar Rao and Dr Sowribala also spoke.

Random blood sugar, renal function test and lipid profile, BP recording, ECG and nerve conduction studies were done for high risk railway beneficiaries. Nearly 100 railway employees and beneficiaries, especially women, attended the event.