What is a Stroke?
Learn what happens during a stroke, why it is dangerous, and how quick action can save lives.
What Happens During a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of your brain is suddenly cut off. Your brain cells need a constant supply of blood to get oxygen and nutrients. When this supply is blocked (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), brain cells start dying within minutes. That is why doctors often say 'time is brain' — the faster you get treatment, the more brain tissue can be saved.
Types of Stroke
There are two main types: Ischemic stroke (about 85% of strokes) happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke (about 15%) happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks open and bleeds. Both types are medical emergencies. There is also a 'mini-stroke' called TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) where symptoms last only a few minutes — this is a serious warning sign that a major stroke may follow.
The FAST Test
Remember FAST to spot a stroke: F = Face drooping (one side looks uneven when smiling), A = Arm weakness (one arm drifts down when raised), S = Speech difficulty (words sound slurred or confused), T = Time to call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve — every minute counts.
Treatments Available
Modern medicine can treat strokes effectively if caught early. Clot-busting medication (tPA) can dissolve clots within 4.5 hours. Mechanical thrombectomy — a specialised procedure performed by doctors like Dr. Hilal — can physically remove clots from brain arteries up to 24 hours after symptom onset. At the Neurovascular Centre in Srinagar, we have treated thousands of stroke patients with these advanced techniques.
Key Takeaways
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A stroke is a brain emergency — every minute counts
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Use the FAST test to recognize stroke symptoms
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Call emergency services immediately — do not drive yourself
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Modern treatments like thrombectomy can save lives and reverse damage
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Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and quitting smoking reduces stroke risk
When to See a Doctor
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Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
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Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking
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Sudden severe headache with no known cause
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Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes
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If you had a TIA (mini-stroke) — this is a warning sign
Need Expert Advice?
Consult with our neurological specialists for personalised guidance.