Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, with nearly 800,000 people experiencing a stroke each year in the United States alone. What is even more concerning is that the outcomes of a stroke heavily depend on how quickly it is recognised and treated.

Studies have shown that if stroke symptoms are identified and treated within the first three hours, there’s a significantly better chance of minimising brain damage and improving recovery.

The faster the response, the better the prognosis. This blog is to help you recognise the first signs of a stroke and explain why every second counts in saving lives and improving recovery outcomes.

What Are the Early Signs of a Stroke?

Stroke symptoms often come on suddenly and can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. However, there are some common early warning signs you should watch for. It’s crucial to remember that strokes can occur without warning, so it’s important to stay alert to the following signs:

• Sudden numbness or weakness: You may have numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, which may be accompanied by dizziness, headache, or loss of balance. This could be an indication that blood flow is being interrupted to a part of the brain responsible for controlling movement or sensation.
• Difficulty in speaking or understanding speech: One of the first signs of a stroke would be difficulty in speaking or understanding speech. The person will have slurred speech; she/he will be unable to form words, or she/he will find it hard to understand what others are saying.
• Trouble with vision: It may also affect one or both eyes and can become blind, blurry, or hazy.
• Sudden dizziness or lack of balance: A stroke will most often result in an abrupt loss of coordination, causing dizziness and stumbling or being off balance. There is a tendency to feel like the room is spinning.

And yet, the answer to saving as many lives remains in early identification. Time means brain function is lost. All the more, it is always worthwhile to act rapidly after noticing any symptom.

“I was at home when I started feeling a strange numbness in my left arm. At first, I thought I had slept on it wrong, but my partner insisted I seek medical attention. It turned out to be a mild stroke, but I was lucky that we acted quickly. If we hadn’t, I might have suffered more severe consequences,” shares Anita, a 42-year-old stroke survivor.

What Are the Key Stroke Warning Signs?

Stroke symptoms are not always easy to identify, particularly if they occur suddenly. Knowing the major warning signs may be lifesaving. The American Stroke Association has devised the FAST method to help recognise a stroke:

• Drooping of the face: Ask them to smile. Is one side of the face drooping, or do they feel numb? One of the signs that someone is having a stroke is a drooping face, as maybe one side of the body is affected.
• Weakness in arms: Ask them to raise both of their arms. Is one arm weaker or cannot raise at all? Weakness in the arms is another hallmark symptom of stroke.
• Speech Difficulty: Challenge the affected individual to repeat a simple sentence. Does his speech sound slurred or non-understandable? The inability to speak or understand speech is one of the common signs of a stroke.
• Time to Call Emergency Services: If the above signs and symptoms can be observed, call emergency services right away. The sooner you do this, the greater the chances that medical experts will intervene in time before lasting damage is done.

According to Dr. Vikas Gupta, a well-known neurologist, “The sooner these warning signs are recognised and treatment is initiated, the more lives can be saved and the long-term effects of a stroke reduced. The sooner the treatment starts, the better the chances of a successful recovery.”

The FAST method given above is a simple and easy-to-remember way of checking if someone might be having a stroke. It is designed to help anyone, even those who are not medically trained, identify the signs of a stroke and take action.

With the FAST method, you can rapidly determine if another person is experiencing a stroke and rush him or her to medical attention right away.

Why Is Medical Attention Prompted Immediately During a Stroke?

A stroke causes the cells in the brain to die from a lack of oxygen within minutes. The more time the brain denies blood flow, the more damage will occur. The window for effective treatment is narrow and requires prompt action.

The first three hours after the stroke are really important for medical intervention. If treatment can start within that time frame, doctors can utilise drugs or surgery to revitalise blood flow to the affected area and minimise the damage to the brain. That is why it is very important to know the symptoms and immediately call for emergency services. Each minute counts.

“It was a tough road to recovery from my stroke. The early emergency medical treatment was pricey, but then there were months and months of rehabilitation to fit the bill. But through timely intervention, I managed to reduce my long-term costs so that I could improve my quality of life immensely,” says Ravi, a 56-year-old stroke survivor.

How Expensive Is Stroke Treatment?

The cost of stroke treatment can vary significantly based on the severity of the stroke and the required interventions. Typically, immediate care after a stroke may cost between INR 15,00,000 to INR 75,00,000 (approximately USD 20,000 to USD 100,000), depending on whether surgery, medications, or other procedures are necessary.

Additionally, rehabilitation costs for stroke patients can range from INR 7,50,000 to INR 37,50,000 (approximately USD 10,000 to USD 50,000) for recovery treatments such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. These expenses can quickly accumulate, particularly if the stroke results in long-term complications or disability.

However, it is essential to note that early recognition and treatment of a stroke can minimize long-term complications, thus lowering the overall costs. Acting quickly can lead to better recovery, reducing the need for expensive, prolonged care and rehabilitation.

What Should You Do If Someone Is Having a Stroke?

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, the most important thing is not to wait. Here’s what to do if you see someone displaying stroke symptoms:

Call emergency services immediately: Don’t wait for symptoms to pass. The quicker help arrives, the better the chances of recovery.

FAQs

1. What happens during the first few hours after a stroke?

In the first few hours, brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen, making timely medical intervention essential to minimize damage.

2. Can a stroke lead to permanent disability?

Yes, depending on the stroke’s severity, it can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities.

3. Are there any lifestyle changes to prevent strokes?

Healthy habits like a balanced diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and avoiding smoking can reduce stroke risk.

4. Is stroke recovery possible for all patients?

Recovery is possible for many, but the extent varies based on stroke severity and how quickly treatment started.

5. Can a stroke happen without warning?

Yes, strokes can occur suddenly, so it’s crucial to recognise symptoms and act quickly.

Explore more blogs: Stroke: What Are Its Causes, Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options?