Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, a leading multi-speciality hospital in Coimbatore, marked World Stroke Day by organizing an insightful Panel Discussion on Stroke Awareness and Prevention and officially launching a new Stroke Awareness Foam Board. The initiative, held on October 29, 2025, aimed at empowering the public with the crucial knowledge needed to recognize and respond effectively to stroke emergencies.

The event, which was organized by the Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. K. Asokan, HOD and Chief Neurologist. Dr. Asokan emphasized the hospital's commitment to fostering preventive health awareness and highlighted the critical importance of recognizing early symptoms, seeking immediate medical help, and ensuring proper rehabilitation for better recovery.

The newly launched Foam Board serves as a visual guide designed to educate patients, caregivers, and visitors on identifying the early warning signs of stroke and the immediate steps required when symptoms appear. Placed strategically within the hospital, this effort ensures that vital stroke information is easily accessible to the public, thus encouraging faster recognition and action during emergencies.

The panel featured a distinguished team of specialists, including Dr. K. Asokan; Dr. K. Aruna Devi, Consultant Neurologist; Dr. N. Vedhanayagam, Consultant Neurologist; Dr. M. Vikram, Sr. Consultant Neurosurgeon & HOD - Minimally Invasive Brain & Spine Surgery; Dr. P. Dhivya, Consultant Neurosurgeon; and Dr. P. Muthurajan, Consultant in Neuro and Vascular Interventional Radiology. They collectively emphasized that early detection, timely medical intervention, and quick action can significantly reduce disability and improve survival rates. The hospital's Advanced Stroke Center is equipped with 24/7 neurology teams for emergency management.

The experts highlighted key warning signs, stressing that early recognition drastically improves recovery chances such as Facial drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb; Arm weakness: Difficulty lifting or maintaining control over one arm; Speech difficulty: Slurred or incoherent speech, etc.

Prevention remains the most effective strategy against stroke, and the panel urged individuals to adopt crucial lifestyle modifications. These preventive measures include routine health checkups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes; maintaining a balanced diet and hydration; engaging in regular exercise; avoiding smoking and alcohol; and practicing stress management. 

The event concluded with a renewed pledge to the hospital's motto: "Act Fast - Every Minute Counts During a Stroke"21. This initiative reflects Sri Ramakrishna Hospital's broader, ongoing commitment to making critical health information accessible through outreach events, visual campaigns, and expert-led discussions.

C. V. Ramkumar, Chief Executive Officer; D. Mahesh Kumar, Chief Administrative Officer; Dr. S. Ragagopal, Medical Director; and Dr. S. Alagappan, Medical Superintendent, joined this Stroke Awareness event.