A stroke is one of the most serious medical emergencies, where every passing minute can make a significant difference between recovery and permanent disability. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted due to a blocked or ruptured blood vessel. As a result, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die rapidly.

According to Dr. Vipul Gupta, Director of Neurointerventional Surgery at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, delaying treatment can have devastating consequences. Patients may experience permanent paralysis, difficulty speaking, problems understanding others, impaired walking ability or, in severe cases, death.

World Stroke Day is observed every year on October 29 to spread awareness about stroke prevention, early warning signs and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. Unfortunately, many people mistake the initial symptoms for ordinary weakness, fatigue or dizziness, losing valuable time before reaching a hospital.

1. Recognise Stroke Symptoms with the BE FAST Method

One of the easiest ways to identify a possible stroke is the BE FAST method. It helps people recognise important warning signs and understand when emergency medical assistance is needed.

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance, difficulty walking or unexplained dizziness.

• E – Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.

• F – Face: One side of the face suddenly droops or becomes difficult to move while smiling.

• A – Arms: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body.

• S – Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty finding words or trouble understanding what someone is saying.

• T – Time: Immediately call emergency services and reach a hospital equipped to manage stroke patients.

Even if these symptoms disappear after a few minutes, they should never be ignored. They could indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a mini-stroke. A TIA can serve as an important warning of a potentially more serious stroke.

2. What Should You Do When Someone Experiences a Stroke?

Recognising the symptoms is only the first step. Taking the right action immediately can significantly influence the patient's chances of recovery.

If someone suddenly develops stroke symptoms, follow these precautions:

• Call an ambulance or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

• Take the patient to a hospital with appropriate stroke treatment facilities.

• Note the exact time when symptoms first appeared or when the person was last known to be normal.

• Keep the patient safe and comfortable while waiting for medical assistance.

• Do not wait for symptoms to disappear on their own.

There are also certain things you should avoid. Do not give the patient food, water or medicines without medical advice, as a stroke can affect the ability to swallow. Avoid giving aspirin independently because a stroke may be caused by either a blood clot or bleeding in the brain, and the treatment for these conditions is different.

3. Modern Medical Treatments Can Improve Stroke Recovery

Advancements in medical technology have significantly improved the treatment options available for stroke patients. Early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention can help minimise brain damage and improve recovery outcomes.

Some important treatment options include:

Clot-dissolving medicines: Drugs such as alteplase and tenecteplase may be administered to eligible patients experiencing an ischemic stroke, which occurs due to a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain. These medicines are generally considered within a 4.5-hour treatment window, following appropriate medical assessment and brain imaging.

Mechanical thrombectomy: In certain patients with a blockage in a large brain artery, doctors may perform a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy. A catheter is guided through the blood vessels to reach the clot, which is then removed using specialised medical equipment.

Advanced brain imaging: Tests such as CT angiography, CT perfusion and MRI help doctors identify blocked blood vessels, assess brain damage and determine whether potentially recoverable brain tissue remains. These investigations also help medical teams select the most appropriate treatment.

4. Brain Bleeding-Related Strokes Also Require Immediate Treatment

Not all strokes occur because of blocked blood vessels. Some are caused by the rupture of a blood vessel inside the brain, resulting in bleeding. This is known as a haemorrhagic stroke.

Such cases require a different treatment approach. Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may need to control blood pressure, reverse the effects of blood-thinning medicines and consider neurosurgical or endovascular procedures.

In certain cases, an underlying brain aneurysm may also need specialised treatment to prevent further bleeding.

5. Follow These Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

Although not every stroke can be prevented, adopting healthier habits and managing existing medical conditions can significantly reduce the risk.

Here are some important preventive measures:

• Control blood pressure: High blood pressure is one of the major risk factors for stroke. Monitor it regularly and follow your doctor's advice.

• Manage diabetes: Keep blood sugar levels under control through appropriate treatment, diet and physical activity.

• Monitor cholesterol: High cholesterol can contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risks.

• Avoid smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and increases the risk of stroke.

• Exercise regularly: Include walking, cycling or other physical activities in your daily routine.

• Eat a balanced diet: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy sources of protein while limiting excessive salt and unhealthy fats.

• Take care of heart health: Conditions such as atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Seek timely medical treatment.

Regular health checkups can help identify risk factors before they develop into serious complications.

Remember: Never Ignore the First Warning Sign

A stroke can happen suddenly, and its symptoms should never be mistaken for ordinary tiredness or weakness. Recognising the warning signs, calling for emergency medical assistance and reaching a stroke-ready hospital without delay can save lives.

The most important thing to remember is that even a few minutes can matter. If you notice sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties or vision problems, do not wait for the symptoms to improve. Seek emergency medical care immediately.