Experts raise alarm over rising stroke cases:Delay in identifying symptoms leads to complications; urgent care can prevent disability and deaths

Stroke cases continue to raise concern among doctors, who say delays in recognising symptoms are leading to serious complications and deaths. Experts warn that a stroke is a medical emergency where every minute plays a critical role, and early treatment can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability. Despite improvements in healthcare, stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Doctors say this is largely due to late diagnosis and delay in reaching hospitals. What happens during a stroke inside the brain A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is reduced or completely blocked. This can happen due to a clot blocking a blood vessel, known as an ischemic stroke, or due to the rupture of a blood vessel, called a haemorrhagic stroke. In both situations, the brain is deprived of oxygen and essential nutrients, leading to the death of brain cells. Since different parts of the brain control different body functions, the damage can affect movement, speech and memory. Symptoms often ignored by patients in early stages Doctors say many patients fail to recognise early warning signs, which leads to delays in treatment. One of the simplest ways to identify a stroke is the FAST test. This includes sudden drooping on one side of the face, weakness in an arm or leg, and difficulty in speaking. The presence of these symptoms requires immediate medical attention. Other signs may include a sudden severe headache, blurred or double vision, dizziness, loss of balance and confusion. Why early treatment is critical in stroke cases Medical experts stress that stroke treatment is most effective if given within the first few hours. Early intervention can help dissolve or remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain. Delays can result in the loss of millions of brain cells, increasing the risk of paralysis, speech problems and long-term disability. Doctors also warn against waiting for symptoms to subside on their own. Immediate steps to take during a stroke emergency In case of suspected stroke, doctors advise calling emergency services without delay. It is important to note the time when symptoms first appeared, as this helps doctors decide the treatment plan. The patient should be made to lie down or sit with the head slightly raised. Food, drinks or medicines should not be given, as swallowing may be affected. If the patient loses consciousness, they should be placed on their side. Common mistakes people make during stroke emergencies often Health experts say people often wait for symptoms to improve or try home remedies, which can be dangerous. In many cases, valuable time is lost in contacting relatives or local clinics instead of reaching a hospital immediately. Need for hospitals with advanced stroke treatment facilities Doctors highlight that patients should be taken to hospitals equipped with advanced stroke care facilities. Timely access to such treatment can significantly improve survival and recovery chances. Rising need for public awareness about stroke symptoms With stroke cases on the rise, doctors say awareness and quick response remain the most effective ways to reduce deaths and disabilities. Recognising symptoms early and seeking immediate help can save lives. The information in this report has been reviewed and approved by Dr Dinesh Chouksey, Consultant in Neurology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Indore.