A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked blood vessel or when a vessel ruptures, damaging brain tissue.
On World Stroke Day on Oct 29, neurologists are urging people to look beyond age and pay closer attention to the risk factors that can silently damage blood vessels over time. Senior consultant, neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, one in seven stroke patients in India is under 45, according to Dr Vinit Suri. He identifies hypertension as a leading risk factor, citing data suggesting it is present in 74.5% of stroke cases. He cites a 2025 study from Hyderabad, where 164 of 971 patients with ischaemic stroke were aged 15 to 45 years, and about 90% of these young patients had at least one established modifiable vascular risk factor.
Because this may be a transient ischaemic attack, even if they disappear within minutes, urgent medical assessment is still needed.
“In some cases, underlying heart conditions, blood vessel abnormalities and clotting disorders may also be responsible,” says Dr Raghav Kapoor, consultant, neurology, Fortis Hospital, Okhla. Dr Suri recommends remembering “BE FAST”, i.e., “Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to seek emergency help”. “Never dismiss sudden neurological symptoms simply because you are young or physically fit,” warns Dr Sharath Kumar GG, consultant, radiology and interventional neuroradiology, Manipal Hospital. Waiting for improvement, trying home remedies or self-medicating can delay essential treatment,” says Dr Rajashekar Reddi, vice-chairman, neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. “Helping people quit must remain the priority, supported by aids like nicotine replacement therapy,” says Dr Yashpal Singh Bundela, director of neurosurgery and neurosciences at Medanta.
Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity are emerging as major concerns, also among younger adults who may otherwise consider themselves healthy. Sudden numbness on one side, difficulty understanding speech, trouble walking or a severe, unexplained headache may also signal a stroke. However, the danger does not disappear when the symptoms do. “Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms settle. Prevention of tobacco use is another crucial part in reducing risk of stroke.