The Emergency No One Talks About
Every minute, many people suffer a Brain stroke somewhere in the world. That’s one person every two seconds. It’s a condition that doesn’t come with a warning and can affect anyone—young or old, healthy or at risk. Yet, many of us don’t know the signs or how to respond.
This blog is designed to make stroke awareness simple. It’s not medical advice. It’s about knowing what a stroke is, spotting the signs early, and helping someone get the care they need—fast. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes could mean the difference between life and death, or between a full recovery and long-term disability.
What Is a Brain Stroke?
A stroke happens when the brain doesn’t get the blood it needs. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients. When something blocks the flow or a blood vessel bursts, that part of the brain starts to shut down. This can cause problems with speech, movement, memory, and even breathing.
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke: This is when a clot blocks the blood flow to the brain. It’s the most common type, making up about 85% of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It can lead to bleeding in or around the brain, causing severe pressure and damage.
There is also something called a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It lasts only a few minutes and usually causes no lasting damage. But it’s still a big warning sign that a larger stroke could come.
Strokes affect different people in different ways. Some people recover fully. Others may lose their ability to speak, walk, or care for themselves. The key factor in minimizing damage is quick action.
What Causes a Brain Stroke?
Some things increase your chances of having a stroke. These are called risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the higher your chance of stroke.
Common Risk Factors Include:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension): The leading cause of stroke. It puts extra strain on blood vessel walls.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage blood vessels over time.
- Smoking: It narrows blood vessels and increases clotting.
- Being overweight or obese
- Lack of physical activity
- Heavy alcohol consumption
There are also risk factors you can’t control:
- Age: The risk increases as you get older.
- Family history: If a parent or sibling had a stroke, your chances are higher.
- Previous strokes or TIAs
While we can’t control our age or genetics, we can manage most other risk factors. Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing strokes.
How to Spot a Brain Stroke: The FAST Test
When someone is having a stroke, every second matters. There’s an easy way to remember the warning signs: FAST
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- S – Speech: Ask them to speak. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act. Call emergency services immediately.
Other warning signs might include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the legs, especially on one side
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
The sooner a person gets help, the better their chance of recovery. Time lost is brain lost.
What You Should Do (and Not Do)
If you think someone is having a Brain stroke:
Do:
- Call emergency services immediately. Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away.
- Keep the person safe and comfortable. Help them sit or lie down.
- Note the time when the symptoms began. This helps doctors choose the right treatment.
- Stay calm and reassure the person.
Don’t:
- Don’t give them food or water. They may have trouble swallowing.
- Don’t give them any medication unless told to by a doctor.
- Don’t drive them to the hospital unless there’s no other choice. An ambulance is better equipped.
Reacting quickly can make a huge difference. The right help at the right time saves lives.
How Hospitals Treat Stroke
When someone with a stroke arrives at the hospital, the first step is diagnosis. Doctors need to know what kind of stroke it is.
They may use:
- CT scan or MRI to view the brain
- Blood tests to check sugar levels, clotting time, and other factors
- Heart tests like an ECG or an echocardiogram to see if the stroke was related to heart problems
For Ischemic Stroke (Clot):
- In some cases, doctors may use a device to physically remove the clot from the brain.
For Hemorrhagic Stroke (Bleed):
- Treatment focuses on stopping the bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain.
- Surgery might be needed in severe cases.
These treatments work best when started quickly. That’s why getting to a hospital fast is so important.
What Happens After a Brain Stroke?
Recovering from a stroke is different for everyone. Some people bounce back quickly. Others take months or even years to regain skills.
Common recovery needs include:
- Physical Therapy: Helps with strength, movement, and coordination.
- Speech Therapy: Useful if the person has trouble speaking or understanding.
- Occupational Therapy: Helps people relearn daily tasks like eating, dressing, or writing.
Emotional recovery is also important. Many stroke survivors feel frustration, sadness, or fear. Support from loved ones, mental health professionals, and stroke recovery groups can make a big difference.
The earlier rehabilitation begins, the better the outcome. Hospitals often start therapy while the person is still admitted.
Why This Matters for Everyone
Stroke is not just a “senior issue.” It can happen to anyone. In fact, younger people are now seeing more strokes due to rising rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and sedentary lifestyles.
By learning about strokes, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re preparing to help others. Whether it’s a neighbor, a coworker, a parent, or a stranger, recognizing stroke symptoms and acting FAST can be lifesaving.
Make it a point to:
- Learn the FAST signs
- Share this knowledge with your family and friends
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Encourage regular health checkups
You don’t have to be a doctor to make a difference. You have to act quickly and wisely.
Visit our Hospital if you need any help in an emergency or a daily checkup
Tapasa Kumar