World Stroke Day 2025: Air pollution is silently triggering brain attacks. Here’s how to protect yourself

Stroke, often dubbed a “brain attack,” is one of the fastest-rising neurological emergencies today hence, World Stroke Day on October 29 each year urges people to recognise the early signs of a stroke and act within the golden window of 4.5 hours, when lifesaving treatments are most effective. A stroke can strike anyone, anytime and every minute of delay costs nearly 20 lakh brain cells. World Stroke Day 2025 campaign’s message is clear: know the warning signs — BEFAST (Balance loss, Eye vision loss, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty and Time to call emergency services) — and respond immediately. In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Pooja Anand, Consultant - Neurology at Paras Health in Gurugram , shared, “Stroke is one of the fastest-rising neurological emergencie