KATHMANDU: Stakeholders have stressed the urgent need for further research and study on stroke in Nepal.

Participants of a workshop on the current status of stroke and future measures, organized by the Nepal Stroke Association, called for more in-depth research on the issue.

According to the Association’s outgoing President, Dr Raju Paudel, the gathering focused on preventive measures against stroke, timely medical intervention when it occurs, and post-treatment precautions.

The participants also discussed ways to integrate conventional treatment methods with advanced technologies to make stroke treatment more effective.

It may be noted that the Association has already prepared and submitted guidelines on stroke management in Nepal. The gathering also reiterated the need for their implementation.

In Nepal, a stroke occurs every 10 minutes. A study conducted by the Association reported that each year, 50,000 to 60,000 people in Nepal are affected by stroke.

Stroke remains a complex medical condition and occurs when blood circulation to any part of the brain is blocked. A lack of oxygen and nutrients can cause the artery to become obstructed, leading to a stroke.

Without timely medical intervention, permanent brain damage can occur, and the condition may even become fatal.

Senior neurologist and Association’s Founder President Dr Lekhjung Thapa noted that, at the initiative of the Association, the Himalaya International Stroke Summit (August 16-17) was organized in Nepal with the participation of over 500 medical specialists and health workers from various countries.

One in three stroke cases becomes fatal, and the state should pay special attention to preventing the situation from worsening, the gathering concluded.

Globally, one in four people suffers a stroke, and a stroke occurs every three seconds, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive measures.