An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain — it accounts for around 80–85% of all strokes. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain. Both require immediate emergency care, but the treatment approach differs significantly. Clot-dissolving medication (thrombolysis) is used for ischemic stroke, while hemorrhagic stroke may require surgical intervention and intensive care management.

The golden hour refers to the first 60 minutes after stroke symptoms begin — the period during which treatment is most effective. In ischemic stroke, thrombolysis given within this window significantly improves functional recovery. Research shows it increases the odds of excellent functional recovery by 40% compared to later treatment. Every minute of delay results in the loss of approximately 1.9 million brain cells. The treatment window for thrombolysis extends up to 4.5 hours from symptom onset in eligible patients.

FAST stands for: F  Face drooping (one side of the face droops or is numb when asked to smile), A  Arm weakness (one arm drifts down when both are raised), S  Speech difficulty (slurred, confused, or unable to speak), T  Time to act immediately. Also watch for sudden vision loss and sudden loss of balance  part of the BE-FAST method used by neurologists. If any sign appears, reach a stroke-ready hospital immediately.

As quickly as possible. Thrombolysis is most effective within the first 60 minutes and can be administered up to 4.5 hours from symptom onset. Mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusions can be performed within 6 hours and in selected patients up to 24 hours. The faster treatment begins, the more brain tissue is preserved and the better the recovery. Do not wait  note the time symptoms began and go to hospital immediately.

Thrombolysis is an intravenous clot-dissolving treatment (tPA/alteplase) given to eligible patients with ischemic stroke within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. It dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. Not all patients qualify  suitability depends on time of onset, blood pressure, CT scan findings, current medications, and medical history. A specialist assessment at a stroke-ready facility determines eligibility within minutes of arrival.

Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a specialist uses a catheter  guided through the blood vessels under imaging  to physically remove a large clot from a blocked artery in the brain. It is used for large vessel occlusion strokes and is often combined with thrombolysis. It can be performed within 6 hours of onset and in carefully selected patients up to 24 hours.

Recovery depends on how quickly treatment is received, the type and severity of the stroke, and the area of the brain affected. With rapid treatment  particularly thrombolysis or thrombectomy within the golden hour  many patients recover significant function and return to independent life. Early rehabilitation (physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy) plays an equally important role. Delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of permanent disability. Every minute of early action matters.

Delayed treatment leads to progressive brain cell death  approximately 1.9 million neurons are lost every minute blood flow is interrupted. This can result in permanent paralysis, speech impairment, memory loss, visual deficits, cognitive decline, and loss of independence. Unlike many organs, the brain cannot regenerate lost cells. Reaching a stroke-ready hospital within the treatment window is the single most important action that can change the outcome.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted and then restored. Symptoms are similar to a stroke face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty — but typically resolve within minutes to a few hours. A TIA must never be dismissed. It is a major warning sign of an impending full stroke, and the risk is highest in the days immediately after. Urgent evaluation and treatment after a TIA can significantly reduce this risk.

Yes. NeuroWellness operates a structured Stroke Rapid Response and Referral Network in South Bengaluru, connecting patients and referring doctors with specialist neurological care. You can use our digital triage form to refer a stroke patient, access verified stroke-ready hospitals in the area, or call us directly for specialist coordination.