A view of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru on Wednesday. | Photo credit: File photo
NIMHANS doctors on Wednesday highlighted the importance of early stroke recognition and early treatment as part of World Thrombectomy Day, which is observed globally on 15
According to the NIMHANS report, this year’s theme ‘Every Second Counts on the Field and in the Brain’ highlights the urgency of stroke treatment and the need for immediate medical intervention to prevent disability and death.
Doctors pointed out that stroke cases are increasingly being reported in younger adults due to hypertension, diabetes, smoking, stress, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. Delays in treatment can lead to paralysis, speech impairment, memory loss or even death, they noted.
Advanced Stroke Care
NIMHANS, which operates as the only 24/7 government sector mechanical thrombectomy center in Karnataka, said the institute provides advanced stroke care including emergency thrombolysis, thrombectomy procedures, stroke ICU services and rehabilitation.
Mechanical thrombectomy is a procedure in which doctors remove a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel. Doctors said that treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery if it is done early, ideally within six hours of the onset of the stroke.
‘Be quick’
The institute also highlighted the “Be Quick” warning signs of a stroke – balance problems, eye problems, facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulties and early hospital intervention.
NIMHANS is collaborating with the Government of Karnataka on a stroke hub-and-spoke project aimed at improving the availability of stroke care in rural and semi-urban areas by linking district hospitals with advanced stroke centers.
Lack of public awareness, delayed hospital visits, traffic congestion and lack of stroke-ready hospitals continue to affect timely treatment in many parts of Karnataka.
NIMHANS urged the public to recognize stroke symptoms early and seek medical help immediately, stressing that “time is brain” in stroke treatment.
Published – 13 May 2026 22:55 IST
