Stroke, once thought of as an ailment of the elderly, is increasingly striking younger Indians in their 40s and 50s, warn neurologists and neurosurgeons at NEUROVASCON 2025, the annual conference of the Cerebrovascular Society of India.
The meet, held at JW Marriott in Sahar, brought together neurologists, neurosurgeons, and preventive health specialists to address the country’s rising stroke burden.
Enthusiastic patient engagement event on Stroke prevention and treatment in Mumbai at Cerebrovascular Society of India #Neurovascon2025 @Mumbai pic.twitter.com/ApQJTEAysd
— Daniel Walsh FRCS (@DanielWalshFRCS) September 26, 2025
Recent figures reveal that 20–30 per cent of all stroke patients in India are under 50—a stark contrast to the West, where strokes remain largely age-related, say experts. They attribute this alarming trend to uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, stress, poor diets, and erratic lifestyles tied to rapid urbanisation.
“Stroke is no longer just an old-age problem. We are seeing more patients in their most productive years,” said Dr Sangeeta Rawat, senior neurologist at KEM Hospital.
“The loss is not just personal: it impacts families, workplaces, and society.”
Doctors warn that unhealthy routines in cities—late nights, lack of sleep, processed foods, and rising stress levels—are quietly fuelling the crisis. Men appear more vulnerable than women, though both are at risk.
Mumbai alone records 50–60 strokes a day, but only 10 per cent of patients manage to reach a hospital within the crucial “golden hour". Most arrive late, often left with irreversible neurological damage and long-term disability.
“Every minute counts. Early recognition and hospitalisation can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong dependence,” said Dr Batuk Diyora, consultant neurosurgeon and organising secretary of NEUROVASCON 2025.
Experts stress that the BEFAST rule—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—can help families identify warning signs quickly. Public awareness, they argue, is the only way to bring younger people to hospital on time.
“Stroke is preventable and treatable,” said Dr Bhavana Diyora, preventive health specialist.
“A healthy lifestyle and quick action can save countless lives.”
Globally, stroke is the second leading cause of death, but India’s young burden sets it apart. Specialists at NEUROVASCON 2025 urged younger Indians to treat stroke as a real risk, not a distant old-age issue.
“Healthy habits—balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management—are the cheapest, most effective insurance against stroke,” says Dr Rawat.
