If a ‘stroke’ patient gets medical help in four-and-a-half hours of the attack, he or she can expect a faster recovery after a clot bluster therapy. But, unfortunately, only 1-2 per cent of such patients get timely medical help, a senior neurologist says.

Addressing a gathering to mark World Stroke Day- 2017 at the ApoKos Rehabilitation Hospital, Sudhir Kumar, a senior consultant neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, said one in every six persons was likely to get a stroke during their lifetime.

“What is important is the treatment provided post affliction of stroke. I have seen at least one patient coming to me with brain stroke everyday in the last 21 years of my practice, it has become that common,” he said.

“Stroke is the third most common cause for disability and death. The risk factors for stroke are diabetes, hypertension, consuming alcohol, smoking and stress,” he said.

The hospital hosted Stroke Heroes to felicitate stroke survivors at its Jubilee Hills facility.

About 80 to 90 per cent of patients can recover in three to six months through physiotherapy and return to a near normal life.

Sandeep Nayani, a consultant neurologist at the hospital, said brain stroke and heart attack have emerged as leading causes of disability and death.

“Stroke was considered to be a phenomenon of old age. But it has changed now. People below 40 years are also becoming victims of stroke, impacting their productive age,” a statement said, quoting him.

He, however, said a stroke can be prevented by modifying one's lifestyle. “One can reduce the risk by quitting smoking and drinking alcohol and by controlling obesity and stress,” he said.

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