TAGAYTAY CITY, Nov. 27 -- A health specialist on Thursday warned of a possible increase in stroke cases as the holiday season approaches, noting a yearly trend of patients being rushed to the hospital after Christmas parties and celebrations.

East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) Emergency Department and Trauma Center chief Dr. Maria Veronica Datinguinoo told the Philippine News Agency that stroke admissions typically begin to climb in December, coinciding with a spike in gatherings, alcohol intake, lack of sleep and poor adherence to maintenance medications.

Data from EAMC showed a steady rise in stroke cases since 2020.

* 2020: 188 cases

* 2021: 226 cases

* 2022: 247 cases

* 2023: 328 cases

"Usually, nagsisimula 'yan kapag may mga Ch...