ISLAMABAD: World community will observe Brain Day on Tuesday on the recommendations of World Federation of Neurology (WFN).

World Brain Day is being observed for the first time to create public awareness of factors which can lead to stroke (brain hemorrhage).

Neurologist Dr Maimoona Siddiqui told Dawn that in Pakistan as many as 350,000 cases of stroke were reported each year.

“In western countries average age for the stroke is 60 years but in Pakistan that age is almost 50 years. Strokes can be avoided by taking precautionary measures,” she said.

“Pakistan Society of Neurology (PSN) has suggested hospitals and neurologists to arrange events and create awareness among people,” she said.

“As many as 13 per cent neurological disorders lead to stroke. Dementia, headache, depression, migraine, epilepsy, tumours, traumatic injury, infections, sleep disorders and genetic disorders can lead to stroke which is the main cause of disability all over the world,” she said.

“It is necessary to inform people to take precautionary measures because in case of stroke the whole family suffers,” she said.

While replying to a question Dr Maimoona said people should avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs to remain healthy.

Meanwhile awareness campaigns were launched in different hospitals of the federal capital on Monday.

Literature including banners and posters were displayed in various hospitals and health facilities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and brochures were distributed among patients to raise awareness of brain health.

Another neurologist Dr Arsalan Ahmad said launching of World Brain Day will prove to be helpful in preventing neurological diseases.

The theme chosen for first year’s campaign is ‘Our brain — Our future’. The events are taking place in collaboration with WFN and neurological societies worldwide including PSN.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd , 2014