Among patients with heart diseases and cancer, stroke is a relatively new and high-profile problem. Around the globe, it is the third most common cause of death in people aged 65 and above, and the number one cause of disability in most adults. Stroke claims 5.8 million lives yearly, winning this chase against AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Twice as many women die of stroke than breast cancer. A prompt call to emergency medical services can significantly increase the chances of survival and improve the recovery rate.
WHO has termed stroke as the ‘epidemic of the 21st century. To cope with the morbidity and mortality rates, widespread education programs are held to enable the general public to observe high-risk individuals and recognize the early symptoms in case of a cerebrovascular attack. A prompt call to emergency medical services can significantly increase the chances of survival and improve the recovery rate. Sound knowledge of stroke, its symptoms, and critical management can, therefore, be life-saving.