LUCKNOW, Aug. 10 -- Stroke and other neurological disorders are increasingly affecting young adults, prompting specialists to call for a shift from reactive treatment to early screening, rapid diagnosis and prevention. The warning came at a neuro conclave at Medanta hospital here on Sunday. Neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuro-critical care specialists highlighted how hypertension, diabetes, obesity, tobacco use and increasingly sedentary lifestyles are pushing neurological diseases into younger age groups. "The concern is particularly significant for UP where the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases is adding to the risk of stroke," said Dr AK Thakkar of the Medanta Hospital. According to him, nearly one in four adults in the state is estimated to have hypertension, one of the most important modifiable risk factors for stroke. The experts stressed that a large proportion of strokes can be prevented through better control of blood pressure and diabetes, avoidance of tobacco, physical activity and timely medical intervention. India records an estimated 1.8-2 million new stroke cases every year, while globally neurological disorders have become the leading contributor to ill health and disability, affecting more than 3.4 billion people, according to the Global Burden of Disease study. Experts at the conclave emphasised that the biggest gap is often not the availability of treatment but recognising the symptoms early and getting medical attention in time. Sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the body, difficulty in speaking, facial drooping, severe unexplained headache, loss of balance or consciousness should be treated as medical emergencies. "With timely diagnosis, multidisciplinary care and appropriate intervention, outcomes can be significantly improved," said Dr Rakesh Kapoor of Medanta, Lucknow. The event included lectures, panel discussions and complex case deliberations, with doctors discussing how newer imaging and intervention techniques can help identify neurological problems earlier and enable more targeted treatment. Dr Ratish Juyal of Medanta called for regular screening of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, particularly among people with risk factors. They also urged people to quit tobacco, maintain a healthy weight and remain physically active....