by admin-blog-kh | April 3, 2026 11:09 am
Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide[1]. It strikes suddenly and can alter a person’s life within minutes. When a stroke occurs, every passing moment causes irreversible brain damage — nearly two million brain cells die each minute the brain is deprived of oxygen. This is why the message is so urgent: every minute counts. B.E. F.A.S.T.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. The two main types of stroke are ischaemic and haemorrhagic.
Ischaemic strokes, which account for about 80–85% of all cases, occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked, often by a clot or fatty deposit.
Haemorrhagic strokes happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain.
Several factors increase the risk of stroke — high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, and physical inactivity. Among these, uncontrolled hypertension is the most significant modifiable risk factor. Regular health check-ups, early diagnosis, and consistent management of these conditions can substantially lower the risk of stroke[2].
The outcome of a stroke depends largely on how quickly it is identified and treated. The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. helps everyone remember the critical warning signs:
B – Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Note any sudden vision changes, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?
A – Arm: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T – Time: If any of these signs are present, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.
Prompt treatment can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability. In ischaemic strokes, clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytics) or procedures like mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow — but only if administered within a critical time window, usually within 4.5 hours for medications and up to 24 hours for certain procedures. For haemorrhagic strokes, urgent control of bleeding and blood pressure is essential. Delay in reaching medical care can cost precious brain tissue and, often, a life.
Stroke recovery extends beyond the hospital. Rehabilitation begins early and focuses on restoring lost abilities — movement, speech, and independence. A team of specialists, including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists work together to help patients regain function and confidence. Consistent, goal-orientated rehabilitation greatly improves long-term outcomes and quality of life.
The most effective way to fight stroke is through prevention. A few lifestyle choices can make a powerful difference:
As neurologists[3], we witness every day how devastating a stroke can be, not only for patients but also for their families. Yet we also see stories of hope — individuals who make remarkable recoveries because someone around them recognised the signs and B.E.F.A.S.T. Let us pledge to spread awareness and take preventive action. Remember: B.E.F.A.S.T. Every minute counts. Awareness and quick response can save a life — perhaps even your own.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to brain damage within minutes.
There are two main types:
Ischaemic stroke, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel
Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain
B.E. F.A.S.T is a simple way to recognise stroke symptoms:
B – Balance loss
E – Eyes (vision problems)
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time to seek emergency help immediately
Every minute during a stroke, brain cells are damaged. Early treatment can restore blood flow, reduce brain injury, and improve chances of recovery.
Major risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, and lack of physical activity.
Yes, many strokes can be prevented by maintaining healthy blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and managing stress.
Treatment depends on the type of stroke. Ischaemic strokes may be treated with clot-dissolving medications or procedures like thrombectomy. Haemorrhagic strokes require control of bleeding and blood pressure.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
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