Global Collaboration Against Stroke: Experts From ISA Participated in the Asia-Pacific Stroke Conference 2025 in Japan
The Asia-Pacific Stroke Conference 2025, hosted by the Japan Stroke Society, brings together leading experts from over 20 countries to share the latest research, clinical practices, and innovations in stroke care. Leading the dialogue, ISA highlighted its initiatives to raise public awareness about stroke in India and introduced specialized training modules for physicians and paramedical staff. These efforts aim to strengthen early recognition and improve the overall quality of stroke care. Dr. P. Vijaya, President of ISA, emphasized the urgent need to spread awareness about the unique challenges faced by women. Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary, ISA, shared key insights on biomarkers guiding stroke recurrence and outcomes.
This year’s theme is “Advanced Stroke Care: Global and Local Challenges” emphasizes precision medicine, early detection, and multidisciplinary collaboration to reduce the global burden of stroke. It is one of the largest global platforms dedicated to advancing stroke care, prevention, and rehabilitation. Eminent doctors from across India, Japan, New Zealand, China, Australia, Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, the USA, Ireland, Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and other countries will participate in this international forum. From India, Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA), Prof. Jayaraj Pandiyan and Dr. P.N. Sylaja , presented groundbreaking research and clinical insights in this forum.
Dr. P. Vijaya, President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), has been instrumental in initiating a collaborative round table platform with member countries during the conference. This unique effort brings together experts from across regions to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and build strategies for better stroke care worldwide. Leading the dialogue, the ISA highlighted its key initiatives, such as the “Brain Stroke – Time to Act” campaign, aimed at improving public awareness about the warning signs and urgent care needed during a stroke. Alongside this, the association also showcased its specialized training modules designed to educate physicians and paramedical staff. These programs focus on strengthening early diagnosis, enhancing emergency response, and ensuring better patient outcomes. By combining public education with professional training, ISA is working towards building a stronger healthcare response system for stroke care across India. Stroke leaders from various countries participated actively during the conference. The aim is to make stroke awareness and care a shared priority across nations.
Dr. P. Vijaya, spoke on the new causes of strokes related to vasculitis, an area that is gaining increasing attention worldwide. These conditions are complex, often underdiagnosed, and can significantly impact outcomes if not detected early. By improving awareness and integrating immune-related insights into stroke management, we can help patients achieve better recovery and reduce long-term disability.”
She also discussed gender related stroke risks, emphasizing the need to spread awareness about the unique risks for women who have a greater burden of strokes and poorer outcomes. She explained that hormonal changes, pregnancy-related complications, and the use of oral contraceptives can increase stroke risk in women. She stressed that awareness of these gender-specific risks is very important so that women can take preventive steps early. Educating women about symptoms, lifestyle changes, and timely medical care can help reduce the heavy burden of strokes in this group.
Dr. Arvind Sharma, Secretary, Indian Stroke Association (ISA), is a council member of APSO and as a faculty for teaching courses on Neurosonology workshop and taught young neurologists how to perform the test and the hand on workshop for young neurologists.
He also spoke about clinical and imaging biomarkers of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) recurrence and outcomes. This is an important area because ICAD is a major cause of stroke in Asia. Identifying biomarkers can guide us toward more personalized treatment, prevent recurrence, and ultimately improve survival rates. Our goal is to translate research into practical tools that benefit patients across diverse healthcare settings.”
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