Recurring brain stroke affects up to 20% of patients, Indian data shows

Indian data reveals up to 20% of stroke patients experience recurrence, underscoring the need for improved long-term care.

New findings from Indian clinical data show that recurrent brain stroke occurs in up to 20% of patients, highlighting serious gaps in long-term treatment and follow-up. The data was presented by Dr. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association, during the International Stroke Conference (ISC) 2026 held in the United States.

Speaking at a joint scientific session of the American Stroke Association and the Indian Stroke Association conference, held from February 4 to 6 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Dr. Vijaya said stroke recurrence is often linked to discontinuation of blood-thinning medicines, poor control of hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol, and lack of sustained lifestyle modification. She stressed that stroke survivors require lifelong medication and regular medical follow-up, even if they appear clinically normal.

According to a press release by Dr. Vijaya on Monday, the conference discussed several developments in stroke care. Experts noted that children with acute brain stroke can benefit from evidence-based treatments used for adults, including intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, when diagnosed early. Advances in MRI and CT imaging have enabled the safe extension of the clot-busting therapy window to up to nine hours in selected patients.

Another major recommendation was the rapid referral of suspected stroke patients to advanced stroke centres with prior notification, reinforcing the principle that timely treatment is critical in stroke care.

ISC 2026 saw participation of over 5,000 delegates from more than 70 countries, including clinicians, researchers, rehabilitation experts, nurses, policy-makers and public health professionals.