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Stroke is a growing concern, and raising awareness is paramount. Simple techniques, such as the Namaste gesture, can help people quickly understand and identify stroke symptoms
Closing one’s eyes while performing the Namaste gesture may reveal balance or sensory issues. (News18 Hindi)
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a person’s brain is interrupted or a blockage forms in the blood vessels. This interruption prevents blood and oxygen from reaching brain cells, leading to cell death. Prompt treatment, initiated within the first two to three hours of a stroke, is crucial for increasing the chances of recovery.
Stroke symptoms include sudden muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, loss of balance, and vision problems. These symptoms often go unrecognised. However, doctors have identified a simple way to detect stroke symptoms that can be used by anyone.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Shriram Vardharajan, Senior Neurologist at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, said that performing Namaste in the traditional way could save lives during a stroke. This could become a new technique for stroke detection, allowing for instant identification of symptoms.
Joining hands can reveal weakness or a bent hand, indicating potential problems with motor function. Standing straight and smiling can show facial drooping and asymmetry, which are possible signs of stroke. Speaking while performing Namaste can identify speech difficulties, a common symptom of stroke. Closing the eyes detects problems with coordination or balance, indicating a potential posterior circulation stroke.
Dr Vardharajan explained that most stroke detection techniques focus on facial symptoms, hand bending, grip weakness, and speech problems. Performing Namaste allows for the simultaneous observation of all these symptoms.
Individuals can perform this test alone, standing in front of a mirror. Closing their eyes while performing the Namaste gesture may reveal balance or sensory issues, potentially indicating a posterior circulation stroke.
Experts believe the ‘Namaste’ technique could be a simple, pre-hospital screening method for early stroke identification and awareness. Timely treatment is crucial to stroke recovery, and initiating treatment within the first two to three hours can save lives and reduce the risk of paralysis.
