On October 29, the international medical community observes World Stroke Day. The campaign’s main goal is to raise awareness of the early symptoms of stroke and promote preventive measures, as stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and severe disability worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, one in four adults is at risk of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime. Nevertheless, specialists explain that up to 80% of stroke cases can be prevented through blood pressure control, smoking cessation, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity.
Neurologists encourage the public to remember the FAST acronym (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services). Medicine follows the principle that “time is brain”: calling emergency services as soon as symptoms appear and ensuring the patient is promptly taken to a hospital can save brain tissue from dying and significantly increase the chances of a full recovery through rehabilitation.
