Early stroke signs require urgent action

R. Mohana Rao Patibandla, a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon practising at Dr. Rao’s Hospital, Guntur.

Early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention are crucial to reducing disability and deaths caused by stroke, says Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla, a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon practising at Dr. Rao’s Hospital – International Institute of Neurosciences (IIN), Guntur.

On the occasion of World Stroke Day on Thursday, Dr. Rao, who underwent fellowship training in endovascular neurosurgery at the University of Virginia, stressed the importance of identifying warning signs and seeking emergency medical assistance without delay.

Sudden facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulties, loss of balance and vision changes require immediate medical attention. The BE-FAST mnemonic—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time—helps people recognise symptoms. Even if symptoms disappear, urgent medical assessment remains essential. People should call 112 for emergency assistance and note when the patient was last known to be well.

He said that eligible patients with acute ischaemic stroke may receive intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours. Selected patients with large-vessel blockages may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy up to 24 hours after symptom onset, depending on clinical and imaging assessments.

Haemorrhagic strokes require a different approach, with surgical removal of an intracerebral haematoma considered in selected cases.

Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, avoiding tobacco and maintaining physical activity can reduce stroke risk. Prompt emergency assessment remains vital to improving outcomes, Dr. Rao explained.