CUK observes ‘World Stroke Day’ with awareness lecture, health checkup

Srinagar, Oct 29: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) observed the ‘World Stroke Day’ with an awareness lecture and health checkups on Wednesday.

A statement of CUK issued here said that the Dean Students Welfare (DSW) and Health Centre, CUK, in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), with active support from Sun Pharma and Save Brain Initiative, observed the ‘World Stroke Day’ with a one-day health checkup and lecture session themed ‘Every Minute Counts’ at CUK’s Tulmulla campus.

The statement said that the event was organised with an aim to raise awareness about stroke, its causes, prevention, and the importance of timely medical intervention to save lives and reduce disability.

In the health check-up camp, university students, staff, and faculty availed consultation from Dr Showkat Hassan, noted neurologist, Nodal Officer for Stroke Thrombolysis Programme, and founder of Stroke Thrombolysis in Kashmir.

In his presentation, Dr Hassan said, “A stroke is a sudden onset neurological deficit lasting more than 24 hours, caused by a vascular issue.”

He elaborated on the two types of stroke: Ischemic stroke, caused by a blocked blood vessel, accounting for 87 percent of cases, and Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by a ruptured vessel, about 13 percent of cases.

Citing alarming statistics, he said that globally, over 80 million people were affected by stroke in 2016, and in India, the incidence stands at 119 to 145 per 100,000 population.

Describing the devastating outcomes of stroke, Dr Hassan listed its effects from paralysis and aphasia to visual and speech impairments, vertigo, and even multiple complications occurring simultaneously.

“With time, patients can develop infections, depression, psychosis, seizures, contractures, and a crushing financial burden. In many cases, stroke doesn’t just attack the brain; it dismantles families,” he said.

Medical Officer, Dr Abid Ahmad, said, “Every individual must recognise the warning signs of a stroke, understand the urgency of the golden hour, and respond promptly.”

He said that “awareness is the best medicine. Educate others, eat healthy, exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress. Remember every minute counts, and every action matters.”