A sudden change in the face, weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty speaking can be an early warning sign of a stroke. However, people sometimes mistake these symptoms for tiredness, general weakness or high blood pressure and wait for the condition to improve before seeking medical attention.
Waiting too long to seek medical help can have serious consequences.
Dr Sandeep Goel (DM Neurology), Director and Head Neurologist at NHS Neurocare (a unit of NHS Hospital), has urged the public to recognise stroke symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. He explained that a stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires urgent treatment.
Why Does Every Minute Matter During a Stroke?
According to Dr Goel, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. This can damage brain cells.
Time is one of the most important factors in stroke treatment. Some patients may be eligible for medicines that dissolve blood clots if they reach the hospital within the appropriate treatment window.
In selected patients, doctors can also use advanced techniques to remove a clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain.
“In stroke cases, every minute matters. Reaching the hospital quickly can make a difference to the treatment a patient receives and their recovery,” said Dr Goel.
Never Ignore These Warning Signs of a Stroke
Dr Goel emphasised that everyone should know the common warning signs of a stroke.
• Face: Sudden drooping on one side of the face.
• Arms and legs: Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.
• Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty understanding what others are saying.
• Balance: Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking or loss of balance.
• Eyesight: Sudden loss of vision or changes in eyesight in one or both eyes.
• Severe headache: A sudden, unusually severe headache.
If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Stroke Symptoms May Disappear, but the Danger Can Remain
Sometimes, a patient may experience weakness in an arm or difficulty speaking for a few minutes, after which everything appears to return to normal.
According to Dr Goel, these symptoms may indicate a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. A TIA can be a warning sign of a possible future stroke.
Even if the patient feels better after a few minutes, they should still receive an urgent medical assessment.
How Can Timely Treatment Help Stroke Patients?
Dr Goel explained that stroke patients should be taken to a hospital where the necessary diagnostic tests and specialist treatment are available without delay.
The Stroke Ready Centre at NHS Neurocare (a unit of NHS Hospital), is equipped to provide timely care for stroke patients, with neurological emergency services available 24 hours a day.
The hospital has facilities for CT scans and MRI, a dedicated Stroke ICU, and a team of neurology and neurosurgery specialists. It also offers advanced facilities for Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and neuro-intervention.
Depending on the patient's condition, doctors may use treatments such as thrombolysis, which involves medicines to dissolve blood clots, or mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure used to remove a clot from a blood vessel in the brain.
Dr Sandeep Goel, who has more than 27 years of experience in neurology, leads NHS Neurocare(A unit of Nhs hospital) with a focus on providing timely specialist care to stroke patients.
What Should You Do if Someone in Your Family Has Stroke Symptoms?
Dr Goel advised families not to delay treatment by allowing a person with possible stroke symptoms to rest at home. Immediate medical care is essential.
Do not delay medical treatment by trying massages or home remedies. Never give medicines without medical advice, and avoid giving the patient food or water until medical professionals assess their condition.
Call an ambulance immediately and take the patient to a hospital that provides specialized stroke treatment. Note the time when the symptoms first appeared and inform the doctors.
Dr Goel's Important Message to the Public on Stroke Awareness
“Many people ignore the early signs of a stroke, thinking the symptoms will go away on their own. However, delaying treatment can have serious consequences. If someone suddenly develops facial drooping, weakness in an arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, take them to a hospital immediately. Acting quickly can save a life and may help prevent severe disability,” said Dr Goel.
Dr Sandeep Goel
DM Neurology
Director and Head Neurologist, NHS Neurocare (a unit of NHS Hospital)
Jalandhar
Identify Stroke Symptoms Early, Act Without Delay, Seek Immediate Care at a Dedicated Stroke Unit.
NHS Neurocare (a unit of NHS Hospital)
Emergency Contact: 8196946333
Because Every Second Shapes Recovery.
