World Stroke Day is celebrated on October 29 every year | Photo Credit: Thinkstock

New Delhi: World Stroke Day, celebrated on October 29 every year, aims to raise awareness of stroke prevention, treatment and support. According to World Stroke Organization, around 80 million people living in the world have had a stroke, whereas some 50 million stroke survivors live with some form of permanent disability. However, millions of stroke survivors show us every day that with access to the right kind of care and rehabilitation along with long-term support recovery is possible. Hence, the campaign aims to show that with the right care and support, it is possible to get #UpAgainAfterStroke.

Stroke is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to oxygen starvation, brain damage and loss of function. A stroke is a medical emergency and can happen to anyone at any time, requiring prompt treatment. Early treatment can help minimise brain damage and potential complications. In most cases, strokes can be treated and prevented. Read - Cardiovascular disease leading cause of death among women: 5 risk factors for heart attack and stroke

Signs and symptoms of stroke

The main signs and symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the word ‘FAST’:

Face - the face, including the mouth or eye, may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile

- the face, including the mouth or eye, may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile Arms - the person may not be able to raise both the arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm

- the person may not be able to raise both the arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm Speech - slurring speech or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake

- slurring speech or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake Time - if you see any of these signs or symptoms, it’s time to dial emergency number.

Other stroke symptoms may include the following:

Trouble walking

Confusion

Paralysis

Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Headache

Dizziness

Learn to recognise the signs of a stroke and act ‘FAST’. Don’t wait to see if any symptoms stop, every minute counts. So seek immediate medical help if you think you or someone else is experiencing any of these signs.