The Indian Stroke Association (ISA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) collaborated on a joint symposium at the International Stroke Congress (ISC) 2025, held in Los Angeles from February 4 to 7, 2025. The session, chaired by Dr Dileep R Yavagal, an interventional neurologist from Miami, and Dr Vijaya Pamidimukkala, President-Elect of ISA, took place on February 5 at the LA Convention Center. ISC 2025 brought together global experts in stroke science and brain health, serving as a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange in cerebrovascular disease. ISA contributed by delivering expert lectures on stroke services in India, quality care, best practices, and treatment approaches.
Dr Nirmal Surya, President of the Indian Stroke Association, delivered a lecture on neuro-rehabilitation in stroke during the symposium. Other speakers included Dr PN N Sylaja, Past President of the ISA, who addressed challenges and the future of endovascular thrombectomy in India. Dr Jeyaraj D Pandian, President of the World Stroke Organization and Past President of the ISA, presented insights on Indian experiences with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Dr Vijaya Pamidimukkala discussed advancements in stroke services in India, focusing on quality care, best practices, and new approaches, in the absence of Dr Arvind Sharma, Secretary of ISA.
Dr Nirmal Surya stated, “The goal of the symposium was to enhance collaboration, foster harmonious learning, and share best practices from the U.S, helping India adopt and improve upon newer technologies in stroke care. The session was well received, with over 100 participants from around the world, sparking engaging discussions that continued for nearly an hour beyond the scheduled time. A key takeaway was that while India faces unique challenges, there is a strong need to increase awareness of stroke care and strengthen rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes. This symposium provided a critical platform to educate healthcare professionals, and researchers on the latest scientific advancements. ISA advocates for better stroke education, early diagnosis, and effective interventions.”
He further added, “This marks the second time that we had a joint symposium at the International Stroke Congress (ISC). The collaboration between ISA and the ASA will continue in the future. The ISA and ASA are set to hold a one-hour joint session during the 18th Annual Conference of the Indian Stroke Association, Indian National Stroke Conference 2025, to be held at, Lucknow on 20th-23rd March 2025.”