Experts warn that Delhi-NCR’s toxic air is linked to rising cases of migraine and stroke.

The hazy skyline of the Delhi-NCR region has long been linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. However, doctors and experts are now warning that high levels of air pollution in the city are posing a serious threat to brain health, causing everything from sudden strokes to frequent migraines and brain fog, among other concerns.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports that Delhi’s air pollution has once again reached dangerous levels, with the air quality index (AQI) at 316, which is in the “very poor” category. According to India Today, the current level of PM2.5 is 11.6 times more than the safe limit of 168 g/m set by the World Health Organisation.

Neurologists have reported an increase in neurological complaints during periods of high pollution, including severe headache attacks in migraine sufferers, persistent fatigue, dizziness and difficulty concentrating and, in some cases, sudden strokes in young and middle-aged adults.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which are tiny particles that can enter the bloodstream and lungs in large quantities, has been linked with developmental delays, dementia risk and cognitive decline in children in several international studies.

PM2.5 particles can reach the brain because they are small enough to enter the bloodstream. The particles then cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and neurons.

Long-term exposure to PM2.5 can alter brain structure, leading to loss of white matter integrity, neurotransmitter imbalance and higher inflammation. According to a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, these structural changes are associated with emotional and cognitive impairment.

According to a study published in Lancet Neurology, air pollution may be responsible for one in four stroke deaths in low- and middle-income countries like India. Studies published in Indian medical journals have shown that the number of new stroke patients in India has increased significantly over the past three decades, from 650,000 in 1990 to more than 1.25 million in 2021 – an increase of 51%.

The theme of World Stroke Day (29 October) emphasized that “Stroke is a brain attack” and the importance of awareness, quick thinking (think BEFAST: balance, eyes, face, hands, speech, timing) and the invisible cause – avoiding polluted air.

“We have definitely seen a significant increase in neurological complaints during the high pollution months in Delhi,” said Dr Kunal Bahrani, clinical director and head of the department of neurology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad.

According to Dr. Bahrani, there has been an increase of about 15-20% in patients with symptoms related to poor air quality in the last few weeks alone. More severe neurological episodes than usual appear to result from a combination of pre-existing health vulnerabilities and exposure to toxic air.

It is recommended that people monitor their daily AQI levels, use indoor air purifiers, limit their outdoor activities during peak pollution and adopt healthy lifestyles, especially for people with known vascular risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension.

Medical professionals stress that these are only temporary solutions and that long-term policy changes are needed to truly protect brain health.