In every 20seconds , a new stroke case is reported in India accounting to over 1.5 million new cases each year; making it the 4th leading cause of death and 5th leading cause of disability.

29th of October 2025 being the World Stroke Day, themed as ' EVERY MINUTE COUNTS'; raise our awareness about the prevention, early detection and treatment of stroke to Act Fast and Heal Smart as 80% of strokes are preventable and with the help of holistic treatment approaches one can improve the quality of life.

UNDERSTANDING STROKE

A sudden interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain resulting in brain cell death as of poor oxygen rich blood supply leads to Stroke. This results in non-functioning of the body part controlled by the specific part of brain.

Brain cells die rapidly when blood flow is blocked and in a minute up to 1.9million brain cells die if medical attention is not given on time.

TYPES OF STROKE

-          - Atherosclerosis stroke: occurs when the flow of blood to brain is blocked by plaque build-up in arteries.

 -  Haemorrhagic stroke: when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and spills blood into the brain.

-          - Ischaemic stroke: when a clot or mass blocks a blood vessel, cutting off the blood flow to a part of the brain.

RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS

Stroke over left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body while a stroke on the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the body.

Left sided brain stroke symptoms (HEMIPLEGIA)

-          Paralysis or weakness on the right side of the body.

-          Speech difficulty

-          Difficulty with logic, judgement and abstract thinking.

Right sided brain stroke symptoms (HEMIPLEGIA)

-          Paralysis or weakness on the left side of the body.

-          Vision problems and difficulty with awareness.

-          Problems with balance and coordination.

-          Behavioural changes like impulsive and attention deficit.

Brain Stem stroke symptoms (QUADRIPLEGIA)

-          Both sides of the body affected

-          Severe paralysis with only eye movements.

INSIGHTS FROM AYURVEDA

Paralysis of the body due to stroke is correlated to PAKSHAGHATA / PAKSHAVADHA in Ayurveda.

It comes under the category of Vata Vyadhi – diseases caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha (one among the 3 functional principles in the body) characterised by motor or sensory failure in any side of the body.

Symptoms

-          Loss of motor functions (right/ left) causing inactivity.

-          Loss of sensory functions (right/ left) causing loss of sensation.

-          Slurring / loss of speech.

-          Spasticity (contractions) over hands and legs.

MAJOR RISK FACTORS

-          Hypertension

-          Diabetes Mellitus

-          Obesity

-          Stress

-          Dyslipidaemia

-          Sedentary lifestyle

-          MEN have a higher incidence rate of stroke while WOMEN have a higher lifetime risk and are more likely to die from stroke (about 55,000 more women die from stroke each year than men)

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE

A healthy lifestyle alterations plays the main role.

Few daily routines from AYURVEDA

-          Full body Oil massage (daily)

-          Single drugs like Brahmi, Ashwaganda, Sankhapushpi etc. to improve brain and nerve functions.

-          Regularly do Pranayama - Yoga - Meditation

-          Follow gut cleanse or detox once in every 2weeks

 POST STROKE MANAGEMENT

-          Emergency care is the earliest intervention.

-          Recovery and rehabilitation depends upon the rate of disability.

-           

Protocols in General

-          Physiotherapy

-          Speech therapy

-          Occupational therapy

Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments help with:

-          Nerve Rejuvenation

-          Improved circulation

-          Balances the body factors/ elements

-          Regeneration of cells and tissues

Treatment includes both internal medications and external therapies like:

-          Snehana (oleation therapy)

-          Swedana (foementation therapy)

-          Nasyam ( nasal medication)

-          Virechanam ( purgation)

-          Vasti ( enema therapy)

-          Jalookavacharanam (leech therapy)

-          Moordha thailam ( oil therapy for head)

Encourage the patient for fast recovery with patience and mindfulness. A holistic treatment protocol results in good rehabilitative improvement. Likewise a collective approach of creating awareness, acting fast with warning signs and following a holistic and mindful lifestyle can make stroke manageable.

Dr. Sreesha Sajeevan (B.A.M.S, CRAV, CSM)