In Spain, there are approximately 90,000 new cases of stroke and more than 23,000 deaths each year.

• One in four Spaniards will suffer a stroke at some point in their lives.

• More than 30% of Spanish stroke survivors are left with lasting effects: stroke is the leading cause of disability in Spain.

• Only 50% of the Spanish population would be able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke, even though, if a stroke is suspected, it is essential to call 112 immediately—even if the symptoms are mild or disappear within a few minutes.

• A lack of awareness of the symptoms, coupled with a lack of immediate response from the Spanish public, means that the Stroke Protocol is activated in only 40% of cases that arrive at the hospital.

October 27, 2026.— This Thursday, October 29, marks World Stroke Day, an initiative promoted by the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) with the goal of raising awareness about this cerebrovascular disease, its symptoms, its risk factors, and the importance of acting quickly at the first signs. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and one of the leading causes of acquired disability in adults; in Europe, it is the leading cause. According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, there are nearly 12 million new cases of stroke and more than 7 million deaths worldwide each year—figures that have increased by about 70% over the past three decades, primarily due to the aging population.

In Spain, according to data from the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), there are approximately 90,000 new cases of stroke each year, and more than 23,000 people die from this cause. Furthermore, more than 30% of survivors are left with aftereffects that result in some degree of disability or dependency, making stroke the leading cause of dependency in the country. It is also estimated that one in four Spaniards will suffer a stroke during their lifetime, and that, unless prevention efforts are strengthened, the number of cases could continue to rise in the coming decades, primarily due to the progressively aging population.

"A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot blocking an artery—known as an ischemic stroke, which accounts for about 80% of cases—or by the rupture of a blood vessel, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke. In both cases, this is a medical emergency in which every minute counts: for every minute that passes without blood reaching the brain, nearly two million neurons are lost, and acting within the first few hours reduces the complications of this condition,” notes Dr. Mª Mar Freijo, Coordinator of the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group of the Spanish Society of Neurology (GEECV SEN). “That is why, if you suspect a stroke, it is essential to call 112 immediately, even if the symptoms are mild or disappear within a few minutes.”

But despite its severity, the SEN points out that only 50% of the Spanish population would be able to recognize the symptoms of a stroke: sudden loss of strength or sensation in an arm or leg, usually on one side of the body; sudden difficulty speaking or understanding; sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes; and/or a very severe and sudden headache, different from usual.

“Lack of awareness of these symptoms, combined with a failure to react immediately, means that the Stroke Code—the coordinated response protocol activated when calling 112—is used in only about 40% of cases treated in Spanish hospitals, far below its potential to save lives and reduce long-term complications,” explains Dr. Mª Mar Freijo. “Every year we get better at treating strokes once the patient arrives at the hospital, because we have increasingly effective treatments, but many people still don’t know how to recognize the symptoms, and many patients don’t arrive in time to benefit from them.”

Although mortality from this disease has fallen by more than 60% in Western European countries over the past 30 years, thanks to improvements in treatment and the implementation of stroke units and the Stroke Code, the SEN estimates that it could be reduced even further in Spain if all provinces had fully operational stroke units and if symptom recognition were improved. “That is why we place such strong emphasis on the importance of ensuring that the entire population is aware of the symptoms of a stroke and knows that, if any of them occur, they should immediately call 112—even if the symptoms are mild or disappear within a few minutes. Only then will it be possible for more patients to arrive in time to benefit from therapeutic advances and for mortality and disability from this disease to be reduced,” notes Dr. Mª Mar Freijo.

In any case, and despite therapeutic advances and early detection, one of the most effective tools for reducing the impact of stroke remains prevention, because most of its risk factors are modifiable: The SEN estimates that up to 90% of strokes could be prevented through proper management of vascular risk factors and a healthy lifestyle. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and atrial fibrillation are the main modifiable risk factors for stroke. And along with age—which is a non-modifiable factor—all of these increase the likelihood of having a stroke. For this reason, stroke cannot be considered a disease exclusive to older adults: up to 20% of cases occur in people under 55, and its incidence is rising among young adults, primarily due to unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Stroke Awareness Day Events

• October 27, 2026: Webinar “Stroke and Invisible Brain Damage: From Survival to Quality of Life.” The Ministry of Health’s Network of Health Schools for Citizens, together with the SEN, is organizing this online seminar, which can be accessed via Webex from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., using the following connection details: Meeting ID 2742 320 3206 and password 784512.

Link:
https://sanidad.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/sanidad/meeting/download/0a2850996e4545039c39e29df0ecd3cf?MTID=md9e3bcd2bfd8845d66ae40d8c8b9783e

• October 29, 2026: Scientific and Social Conference on Stroke. The SEN and the Freno al Ictus Foundation are organizing the “Scientific and Social Conference on Stroke” in Madrid, where various experts will address the disease from both scientific and social perspectives from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will also be streamed live.

More information at: https://www.sen.es/noticias-y-actividades/noticias-sen/4003-encuentro-cientifico-y-social-sobre-ictus-2

• November 8, 2026: III Stroke Awareness Day Fun Run. The Puente del Rey bridge in Madrid Río will host the start and finish lines this year for an event—featuring 4K and 10K runs and a 4K walk—that will allow participants to run or walk through Madrid’s largest green space, the Casa de Campo, starting at 9 a.m. As in previous years, the race organized by the SEN is an invitation to incorporate physical activity into daily life and to share a day dedicated to stroke prevention and awareness.

More information: www.carrerapopulardiadelictus.es