By Sumita Mohapatro Pani
Our brains are complex hubs of activity, much like a vibrant city where millions of nerve cells continuously relay messages. Imagine the chaos when a power failure hits part of this city, cutting off communication between different areas and causing disruption. A stroke mirrors this disruption—a sudden interruption in blood flow deprives parts of the brain of essential nutrients and oxygen. This “power outage” can lead to significant impairment, leaving the affected person with a wide range of symptoms that often have long-term consequences.
In India, stroke cases are rising at an alarming rate, making it one of the leading causes of disability and death. The surge is largely driven by our evolving lifestyles, urbanization, and other health factors. While stroke awareness and treatment have seen improvements, the rehabilitation aspect remains severely underdeveloped, leaving millions of stroke survivors struggling with disabilities and unmet needs.
The Growing Stroke Burden
Globally, stroke remains a significant health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. A 2021 Lancet Neurology report highlighted that stroke cases rose to nearly 12 million, a staggering 70% increase compared to 1990. India alone saw a 51% rise in stroke incidence over the last three decades, contributing 1.25 million new cases in 2021—almost 10% of the global total. Experts predict that stroke-related deaths in India could rise by 47% by 2050.
The Underlying Causes of India’s Stroke Surge
The factors behind this surge are multifaceted. On one hand, India’s healthcare advancements have enabled longer life expectancy, while on the other, environmental and lifestyle changes have increased the risk factors for stroke. Rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the widespread consumption of alcohol and tobacco have led to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—all key contributors to stroke.
Despite improvements in healthcare infrastructure, access to quality stroke care, particularly in rural areas, remains a challenge. The lack of awareness about stroke symptoms and prevention further exacerbates the situation, with many people failing to seek timely medical intervention.
The Critical Role of Rehabilitation
Brain stroke can lead to serious neurological impairments, accounting for the highest percentage of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) at 6.3%. In India, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, and 60% of these cases result in some form of disability, according to the Stroke Association of India. Rehabilitation is vital in helping survivors regain motor function, rebuild confidence, and reintegrate into society. It offers a path to reclaim independence and improve quality of life.
However, India faces a shortage of rehabilitation facilities and trained professionals, especially in rural areas. Access to physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists—crucial for stroke recovery—remains limited. For those who do have access, the high cost of rehabilitation services and social stigma associated with disability can act as further barriers to recovery.
Meeting the Rehabilitation Challenge
Addressing India’s unmet stroke rehabilitation needs will require a multi-pronged approach. First, expanding the network of rehabilitation centres across both urban and rural areas is essential. Public-private partnerships can play a key role in establishing and enhancing these facilities. Specialized training in stroke rehabilitation for healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals will ensure that patients receive comprehensive care.
Multidisciplinary Neurological Rehabilitation Centres can help bridge this gap by offering stroke survivors access to comprehensive care under one roof. Furthermore, nationwide awareness campaigns about stroke prevention, early detection, and the importance of rehabilitation are critical to reducing the stroke burden in India.
India stands at a crucial juncture in addressing the growing stroke crisis. By prioritizing rehabilitation, expanding access to quality care, and removing barriers to recovery, we can offer stroke survivors a better chance at a fuller, more independent life.
(The author is Sr. Vice President, Lupin and Head, Atharv Ability. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)
