Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India. In everyday medical practice neurologists urban and semi-urban settings, face one recurring challenge - delayed recognition. Many patients reach medical care hours after the first warning signs, often because symptoms were ignored, misunderstood, or expected to resolve on their own. This delay can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability. A stroke is a medical emergency and signs of stroke in adults must not be ignored. Brain cells begin to suffer irreversible damage within minutes when blood flow is interrupted. Understanding the early signs and acting quickly is one of the most powerful ways to protect brain health.
What Exactly Happens During a Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is reduced or completely blocked, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and glucose. Without these, brain cells begin to malfunction and die.
There are three broad types of strokes commonly seen:
-
Ischaemic stroke
the most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking an artery supplying the brain -
Haemorrhagic stroke
caused by rupture of a weakened blood vessel leading to bleeding within the brain -
Transient ischaemic attack
often called a mini stroke, where symptoms resolve within a short time but serve as a serious warning of a future major stroke
While the mechanisms differ, the urgency of treatment remains the same for all.
Early Signs You Should Never Ignore
Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly and may worsen rapidly. They depend on the part of the brain involved, but certain warning signs are consistently seen and should prompt immediate emergency care. The FAST method is an easy way to recognize the early signs of stroke:
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm fall or feel weak
- S – Speech: Ask them to speak a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange
- T – Time: If any of these signs are present, seek emergency medical care immediately
These symptoms do not follow a slow progression. They appear abruptly, and waiting to see if they improve can be dangerous. It is essential to seek urgent medical care without delay.
Understanding Silent Strokes
Not all strokes present dramatically. Some people experience silent strokes. These involve small areas of the brain and may not cause obvious weakness or speech problems. They are often detected later during brain imaging done for memory or balance issues. Possible signs of silent stroke include subtle memory decline, difficulty concentrating, mild imbalance, or slight weakness in a limb. Though symptoms may seem minor, silent strokes increase the risk of future major strokes and cognitive impairment.
Why Time Is Critical
In ischaemic strokes, clot dissolving medications can restore blood flow and limit brain damage, but only if given within a narrow time window after symptom onset. Delays in reaching medical care are one of the biggest barriers to effective treatment in India. Early medical care from the best neurologists in Navi Mumbai at UMC Hospitals often translates into better functional recovery, reduced disability, and shorter rehabilitation.
Stroke Prevention in Daily Life
While not all strokes can be prevented, many risk factors are modifiable. Practical steps that make a significant difference include:
- Controlling blood pressure through regular monitoring
- Managing diabetes and cholesterol levels
- Avoiding tobacco in all forms
- Avoiding Alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active
- Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Regular health checkups are particularly important for individuals over 40 years or those with a family history of stroke.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Stroke recovery does not end with emergency treatment. Rehabilitation plays a central role in restoring independence. Physiotherapy helps regain strength and mobility, speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties, and occupational therapy supports daily activities. Continued care and support help patients and families adapt better to long term recovery.
Stroke Care at UMC Hospitals
At UMC Hospitals, the best neurology hospital in Navi Mumbai we offer comprehensive, protocol driven stroke program designed to ensure rapid, coordinated, and evidence-based care from the moment a patient arrives. The program follows CT led triage and rapid clinical decision making, enabling timely assessment for thrombolysis eligibility along with immediate control of blood pressure, blood glucose, temperature, and seizures. When required, there is seamless coordination for advanced endovascular therapies and dedicated neurocritical care support, ensuring continuity across all levels of stroke management.
Beyond acute treatment, the program strongly focuses on secondary stroke prevention, with structured plans that include appropriate antithrombotic therapy, statins, aggressive risk factor control, and personalised stroke rehabilitation to support long term recovery and reduce recurrence risk. If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke, call our emergency services on +91 22410 15554. Timely medical help can save a life.
