Why young adults must ‘BE FAST’ to spot silent stroke signs

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked blood vessel or when a vessel ruptures, damaging brain tissue. New Delhi: A drooping face, a weak arm or slurred speech — telltale symptoms of stroke — are usually associated with elderly people. But doctors warn that stroke can strike younger adults, too, and that dismissing these sudden symptoms as manifestations of exhaustion, stress or just a passing episode may cost lives.

On World Stroke Day on Oct 29, neurologists are urging people to look beyond age and pay closer attention to the risk factors that can silently damage blood vessels over time. Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity are emerging as major concerns, also among younger adults who may otherwise consider themselves healthy.

According to Dr Vinit Suri, senior consultant, neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, one in seven stroke patients in India is under 45. He identifies hypertension as a leading risk factor, citing data suggesting it is present in 74.5% of stroke cases. “In some cases, underlying heart conditions, blood vessel abnormalities and clotting disorders may also be responsible,” says Dr Raghav Kapoor, consultant, neurology, Fortis Hospital, Okhla.

Recognising the symptoms can make all the difference, says Dr Nitin Kumar Sethi, chairman, PSRI Institute of Neurosciences. A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted by a blocked blood vessel or when a vessel ruptures, damaging brain tissue. Symptoms generally appear suddenly, and the response must be just as quick.

“My advice is to take preventive healthcare seriously. Regular health check-up, timely management of medical conditions and healthy lifestyle choices can make a significant difference in reducing stroke risk,” says Dr Sethi. Dr Suri recommends remembering “BE FAST”, i.e., “Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to seek emergency help”.

Sudden numbness on one side, difficulty understanding speech, trouble walking or a severe, unexplained headache may also signal a stroke. “Never dismiss sudden neurological symptoms simply because you are young or physically fit,” warns Dr Sharath Kumar GG, consultant, radiology and interventional neuroradiology, Manipal Hospital.

However, the danger does not disappear when the symptoms do. “Don’t wait to see whether the symptoms settle. Even if they disappear within minutes, urgent medical assessment is still needed because this may be a transient ischaemic attack.

Waiting for improvement, trying home remedies or self-medicating can delay essential treatment,” says Dr Rajashekar Reddi, vice-chairman, neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket. He cites a 2025 study from Hyderabad, where 164 of 971 patients with ischaemic stroke were aged 15 to 45 years, and about 90% of these young patients had at least one established modifiable vascular risk factor.

Prevention of tobacco use is another crucial part in reducing risk of stroke. “Helping people quit must remain the priority, supported by aids like nicotine replacement therapy,” says Dr Yashpal Singh Bundela, director of neurosurgery and neurosciences at Medanta.