
A brain stroke is a cerebrovascular medical emergency in which the brain suddenly stops getting the blood supply. In simple terms, our brain constantly needs oxygen-rich blood supply to work properly. When that supply is interrupted either due to a blood vessel burst or blocked artery, the brain cells begin to die in minutes, causing a brain stroke.
Depending on how long the disruption lasts and which part of the brain is affected, a stroke can affect your movement, speech, memory or basic bodily activities.
There are two major ways a brain stroke occurs:
Here are some factors that increases the risk of brain stroke:
There are three common types of brain strokes. Understanding its type helps in approaching the right treatment and care.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA or Mini Stroke)
Stroke symptoms can vary based on which area of the brain is affected. Some common signs are:
A simple way to spot a stroke is the FAST test:
The right treatment depends on the type of stroke, how severe it is and the overall health condition. The neurologist and neurosurgery team assess the situation together and decide what approach is appropriate.
MedicationsIn a brain stroke emergency, every second is crucial. Timely diagnosis and seamless coordination between specialists is very important for the successful treatment results. At the CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, we provide comprehensive stroke care backed by advanced technology and an experienced team.
If you or your loved ones are showing symptoms or are at risk, do not delay treatment. Book an appointment today!
The most common early signs are sudden facial drooping on one side, weakness in one arm or leg, and difficulty speaking or understanding speech. Some people also notice a sudden severe headache, vision changes, or loss of balance. Any of these symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency.
FAST stands for Face (drooping), Arms (weakness), Speech (difficulty), and Time (call emergency services). It is an easy way to find out the stroke symptoms in a person and respond without delay.
The “golden hour” refers to the window immediately after stroke symptoms begin, generally the first 60 minutes. Getting a patient evaluated and treated within this period significantly shows the improvement.
Diagnosis starts with a neurological examination and a detailed history of symptoms. Imaging is central to the process. A CT scan can rule out bleeding, an MRI provides more detail on the affected brain tissue and a CT angiography helps visualise blood vessels and identify clot locations. Blood tests and an ECG may also be advised to check for underlying causes like heart rhythm abnormalities.