Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society and Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye Collaborate for Stroke Awareness

The Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society is drawing attention to stroke symptoms and the vital importance of early intervention as part of World Stroke Day on October 29. The “Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke” campaign, carried out with the unconditional support of Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye, aims to help the public recognize stroke symptoms, act without wasting time when these symptoms occur, and become informed about proper intervention.

Stroke, which ranks among the leading causes of death and permanent disability worldwide, stands out as one of the serious health problems in which early intervention is vitally important. According to World Stroke Organization data, one in every four people over the age of 25 faces the risk of having a stroke during their lifetime, while approximately 12 million new stroke cases occur worldwide each year.[1]

With the message “Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke,” the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society aims to raise public awareness on World Stroke Day, October 29, about the importance of timely recognition of stroke symptoms and rapid intervention.

Every minute is vital in stroke

Stroke, also commonly known among the public as “beyin felci” (brain paralysis), occurs as a result of disrupted blood flow to the brain due to a vessel blockage or hemorrhage. The brain's inability to receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients can cause damage to brain tissue within a short period of time.

Sudden facial drooping, weakness in the arm or leg, impaired speech, sudden vision loss, and balance problems are among the main symptoms of stroke. When these symptoms appear suddenly, calling the 112 Emergency Call Center without delay is critical for the patient to receive appropriate treatment in time.

Emphasizing that, in addition to recognizing stroke symptoms, acting quickly in response to these symptoms is also of great importance, Prof. Dr. Semih Giray, President of the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society, made the following assessment:

“When it comes to stroke, time is one of the most important factors determining the success of treatment. Every minute that blood flow to the brain is disrupted can cause irreversible damage to brain tissue. However, timely medical intervention in appropriate patients can reduce the risk of permanent damage. For this reason, we believe it is important for the public not only to know the symptoms of stroke but also to learn how to act in response to these symptoms. When symptoms such as facial drooping, loss of strength in the arm or leg, or sudden impairment of speech are noticed, 112 should be called immediately without waiting to see if they pass. Because time lost in stroke can also affect a healthy future.”

Stroke can occur at any age

Stroke, which is often associated with advanced age in society, can also affect young and middle-aged individuals. According to World Stroke Organization data, approximately 63 percent of strokes that occur each year are seen in people under the age of 70.[2]

Epidemiological studies conducted in Türkiye also reveal that stroke is not limited to older age groups alone. According to 2019 data, approximately 125 thousand new stroke cases occurred in Türkiye, with individuals under the age of 50 constituting 17.4 percent of stroke patients.[3]

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiac arrhythmias, smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are among the main factors that increase the risk of stroke. Regular health check-ups, keeping existing conditions under control, and healthy lifestyle habits such as a balanced diet and physical activity play an important role in reducing stroke risk.

Drawing attention to the importance of healthy lifestyle habits in reducing stroke risk, Prof. Dr. Semih Giray stated:

“A significant portion of the factors that increase stroke risk can be controlled through lifestyle changes and regular health check-ups. High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiac arrhythmias are among the main health problems that increase stroke risk, while smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity can also increase this risk. For this reason, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, staying away from smoking, and monitoring existing conditions under a physician's supervision are of great importance. We believe that awareness of stroke should not be limited to recognizing symptoms alone, but should also encompass the precautions that can be taken before the disease occurs. We must not forget that the steps we take today to reduce stroke risk can make a significant difference in protecting our health in the future.”

A meaningful collaboration to strengthen stroke awareness

Noting that stroke is a health problem that can deeply affect not only individuals' health but also their families and social lives, the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society and Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye aim to spread awareness of early intervention to all segments of society through the “Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke” campaign.

Okan Güner, General Manager and Human Pharma Director of Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye, emphasized the importance of strengthening public health awareness in his assessment of the collaboration.

Güner said, “As Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye, in line with our goal of positively changing people's lives, we see strengthening public health awareness as an important responsibility, in addition to contributing to the development of innovative treatments. We believe that in health problems such as stroke, where early intervention is vitally important, delivering accurate information to people can make a great difference. Within the scope of this valuable collaboration we are carrying out with the Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society, we aim to raise awareness of stroke symptoms and strengthen public awareness of the need for rapid intervention. With our message ‘Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke,’ we emphasize the importance of everyone recognizing the symptoms and taking action at the right time, both for themselves and their loved ones. We will continue to support awareness efforts that contribute to public health.”

“Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke”

The “Early Intervention is the Cure for Stroke” campaign, which is being carried out to spread accurate information about stroke and strengthen awareness of early intervention, aims to reach wider audiences with its awareness messages as part of World Stroke Day.

The Turkish Cerebrovascular Diseases Society continues its efforts, with the unconditional support of Boehringer Ingelheim Türkiye, to raise recognition of stroke symptoms, increase awareness of risk factors, and explain the importance of early intervention.