Every Minute Counts: Why Timely Stroke Treatment Makes All the Difference

By Dr. Roopa K G

Consultant - Neurophysician

MBBS, MD (BMC & RI), DNB (Neurology), MNAMS, FAAN (Neurology)

Sahyadri Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, Shivamogga

A stroke is a medical emergency that strikes without warning — and when it does, every passing minute can mean the difference between life, disability, and recovery. Doctors often describe it as a “brain attack” — because when blood flow to part of the brain stops, millions of brain cells begin to die within minutes.

The faster a person receives treatment, the greater the chances of survival and recovery without lasting damage. Unfortunately, many stroke patients reach the hospital too late — losing precious time that could have saved their brain.

In India stroke occurs every 20 seconds with over 18 lakhs cases reported annually yet public awareness about prevention and timely treatment remains low.

The Golden Hour: A Race Against Time

Neurologists call the first 60 minutes after stroke onset the golden hour. During this window, quick diagnosis and treatment can restore blood flow and prevent permanent brain injury.

If a stroke is caused by a blood clot — the most common type — doctors can use a clot-busting medication called tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), which must be administered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. In some cases, mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to physically remove the clot from the brain’s artery, can be performed within six hours, or in select cases, up to 24 hours.

But these treatments are only possible if the patient reaches a stroke-ready hospital in time.

Recognising the Warning Signs Early

One of the biggest challenges in stroke care is delayed recognition. The symptoms may appear sudden and painless — yet they require immediate action. Experts urge everyone to remember the acronym BE FAST:

B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision

F – Face: Drooping on one side of the face

A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

S – Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech

T – Time: Time to call emergency services immediately

Never wait to see if symptoms “go away on their own.” Every second of hesitation means more brain tissue is lost.

What Happens When You Delay Treatment?

For every minute a major artery in the brain remains blocked, the brain loses 1.9 million neurons. The longer the delay, the higher the chance of paralysis, speech loss, memory problems, or even death.

Early treatment not only improves survival but also enhances the quality of life after recovery. Patients treated within the golden window often walk out of the hospital within days, while those who arrive late may spend months or years in rehabilitation.

Preventing the Next Stroke

Once treated, stroke patients must work with their doctors to prevent recurrence. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking and alcohol, and staying physically active are crucial steps.

Regular follow-ups, physiotherapy, and medications to prevent clot formation are equally important in long-term recovery.

Act Fast, Save a Life

When it comes to stroke, time is brain. If you or someone near you shows sudden weakness, speech trouble, or facial droop, don’t wait — rush to the nearest hospital equipped with a CT or MRI scanner.

A stroke can strike anyone, anytime — but its devastating effects can be prevented with swift action. Recognise the symptoms, act without delay, and get to a hospital fast. Because when it comes to saving the brain, every minute truly counts.

Hindusthan Samachar / Rakesh Mahadevappa