Understanding Stroke Symptoms: The Golden Hours of Care

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. Knowing the signs and seeking immediate medical care can save lives and prevent permanent disability.

How to Recognize a Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.

Stroke symptoms appear suddenly. The most effective way to remember them is the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym:

1. Balance: Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Are they stumbling or dizzy?
2. Eyes: Is there sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes? Double vision or sudden blindness?
3. Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
4. Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or is it numb and weak?
5. Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
6. Time: If you notice any of these signs, even if they go away, call emergency services immediately! Note the time when the first symptom appeared.

Treatment Options: Time is Brain

When a patient arrives at the hospital with stroke symptoms, every second counts.

• Intravenous Clot Busters (tPA): If the stroke is ischemic (caused by a clot) and caught within 4.5 hours of onset, doctors can administer a powerful medication to dissolve the clot.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: For clots blocking major brain vessels, an interventional neurologist like Dr. Annapureddy Jagadish can perform a mechanical thrombectomy. Using a thin catheter inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist, the doctor navigates to the brain and physically extracts the clot, immediately restoring blood flow. This procedure has revolutionized stroke care, significantly improving survival and recovery rates.

If you or a loved one is at risk for cardiovascular or neurovascular issues, consult Dr. Annapureddy Jagadish at Medicover Out Patient Center, Hitech City, Hyderabad, to establish preventive care and screening.