How to Recognize a Brain Stroke Early – Life-Saving Tips from a Neurosurgeon

When it comes to brain strokes, every second counts. A stroke can damage millions of brain cells each minute it's left untreated. Recognizing the early warning signs and seeking immediate medical help can save a life—or prevent a lifelong disability.

In this article, we’ll break down how to identify a stroke early, what to do next, and when to call for emergency care. These life-saving tips are based on real-world experience from neurosurgeons treating patients daily.

What is a Brain Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced—either due to a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die rapidly.

 Early Signs of Stroke: Use the FAST Rule

Letter	Meaning	What to Look For
F	Face Drooping	One side of the face looks uneven or droops
A	Arm Weakness	Unable to raise one arm fully
S	Speech Difficulty	Slurred or strange speech
T	Time to Call Emergency	Get medical help immediately

Other Stroke Symptoms to Watch For

While FAST is the easiest tool, strokes can show other warning signs too:

• Sudden numbness in face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)

• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding

• Blurred or double vision

• Difficulty walking or loss of balance

• Severe headache with no known cause

• Unconsciousness or seizures in some cases

Why Acting Quickly is Crucial

There’s something doctors call the "Golden Hour" – the first 60 minutes after stroke symptoms begin.

During this time:

• Clot-busting medications like tPA can be administered

• Chances of full recovery are highest

• Risk of long-term disability drops significantly

Delaying stroke care can result in irreversible brain damage, paralysis, memory loss, or death.

What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke

1. Call Emergency Services ImmediatelyIn India, dial 108 or go to the nearest emergency-ready hospital.

2. Don’t Let the Person Sleep It OffMany people ignore stroke symptoms thinking they’ll pass. They won’t.

3. Note the Time Symptoms StartedThis helps the hospital decide which treatments are still safe to give.

4. Avoid Giving Food or WaterSwallowing can be affected during a stroke.

Can Strokes Be Treated?

Yes. With timely diagnosis and expert care, many stroke patients recover well.

Treatment may include:

• Clot-dissolving injections (thrombolysis)

• Mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy)

• ICU neuro-monitoring

• Stroke rehabilitation – physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy

Stroke Care in Durgapur – Dr. Hardik Rajyaguru’s Expert Team

Dr. Hardik Rajyaguru, a senior neurosurgeon in Durgapur, offers 24x7 emergency care for brain strokes with:

• Rapid CT/MRI scanning

• On-call stroke intervention team

• ICU and neuro-rehab support

• Personalized recovery programs

Patients from Durgapur, Asansol, Bardhaman, and surrounding areas trust his team for fast and focused stroke care without needing to travel to metro cities.

Book a Consultation or Second Opinion

Suspect stroke risk due to diabetes, high BP, or past episodes? Schedule a consultation for prevention, lifestyle advice, and brain health assessment.