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The Silent Killer: Why Stroke Awareness Matters
Stroke, one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability globally, remains a critical public health concern. To raise awareness about this life-threatening condition, the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society has launched a national campaign titled “Early Intervention is the Cure in Stroke” with the unconditional support of Boehringer Ingelheim Turkey.
Marking May 10, Stroke Awareness Day, the campaign aims to inform the public about the symptoms of stroke and the importance of quick intervention. At the heart of this initiative lies a clear and urgent message: recognizing stroke symptoms early can be the difference between life and death.
Know the Signs, Save a Life
Popularly known as a “brain attack,” a stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to potentially irreversible damage. Each minute, approximately 1.9 million neurons are lost during a stroke, emphasizing the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Prof. Dr. Ethem Murat Arsava, President of the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society, explains:
“Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment play the most vital role in preserving life functions and improving outcomes for stroke patients. To act quickly, people must know the signs. Facial asymmetry, sudden weakness in the arm or leg, speech difficulties, confusion, severe headaches, and visual disturbances can all be symptoms of a stroke. If any of these are observed, the person should be laid flat, not moved, and emergency services (112) should be called immediately.”
➤ These symptoms are still widely misunderstood or ignored, especially among younger people—a group once thought to be largely unaffected by stroke.
Stroke is No Longer an Elderly Problem
While traditionally seen as a condition affecting the elderly, recent studies suggest a troubling rise in stroke cases among younger individuals. According to the American Heart Association’s 2024 report, the rate of ischemic stroke among 18–44-year-olds has increased by 14.6% over the past decade.
This trend has been linked to the lifestyle changes brought on by the digital age. Long hours in front of screens, sedentary habits, poor diet, chronic stress, and sleep disorders are all contributing factors. Social isolation, digital addiction, and mental fatigue also compound the risk.
Prof. Dr. Arsava highlights:
“Stroke symptoms are not exclusive to older adults. We now see them in people in their 30s and even 20s. Unfortunately, in younger populations, these signs are often overlooked or misinterpreted. But early action remains just as critical.”
For a detailed overview of stroke risks among youth, visit Ankara Haberler.
AI and Medicine: A Powerful Alliance in Stroke Treatment
In the realm of medical innovation, artificial intelligence is proving to be a game-changer for stroke care. Emergency rooms across the country are increasingly using AI-supported imaging systems to interpret brain scans in mere seconds. This technology assists healthcare teams in making faster decisions and initiating treatment sooner.
AI tools help differentiate between ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic events with remarkable speed and accuracy. As Prof. Dr. Arsava notes:
“AI algorithms can rapidly distinguish between blocked vessels and bleeding in the brain. This accelerates the treatment decision process by up to 30%, giving patients a better chance at recovery.”
These advancements ensure that treatment begins sooner, improving the chances of preserving brain tissue and minimizing long-term damage.
Prevention is Possible
Stroke is not inevitable. Preventive measures can drastically reduce risk. The Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society urges everyone to adopt healthier lifestyles:
Exercise at least 150 minutes per week
Maintain a balanced diet
Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol
Limit smoking and alcohol consumption
Reduce screen time
Practice good sleep hygiene and stress management
Each of these habits can contribute significantly to stroke prevention.
One Campaign, Many Lives Saved
More than just a day on the health calendar, May 10 represents an opportunity to bring life-saving knowledge and technology to the forefront. With Boehringer Ingelheim Turkey’s support, the “Early Intervention is the Cure in Stroke” campaign combines digital visibility with on-ground awareness to spread its message far and wide.
The full story is available at: www.ankarahaberler.com
A Reporter’s Reflection
As a journalist at newstimesturkey.com, it’s impossible not to feel the urgency behind this campaign. We often chase headlines, but some stories carry a deeper, quieter weight—like this one. Stroke doesn’t announce itself with a warning. It strikes fast, often silently, and changes lives in seconds. Sharing accurate, timely information might be the only chance someone has to recognize a symptom and make that life-saving call.
Stay informed. Stay alert. And most importantly—act fast.
Source: www.ankarahaberler.com
