World Stroke Day: What to do in the first few minutes of a stroke

A stroke can happen suddenly, leaving a person unable to speak clearly, move one side of the body or maintain their balance. In such situations, the actions taken in the first few minutes can make a significant difference to the person's treatment and recovery. However, many people may not recognise the symptoms immediately or may mistake them for temporary weakness, exhaustion or other health problems. Knowing how to identify a stroke and respond without delay is therefore essential.A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to get damaged. The longer the brain remains without sufficient blood flow, the greater the risk of lasting disability or death.World Stroke Day, observed on October 29 every year, highlights the importance of stroke awareness, prevention and timely treatment. According to Dr Surbhi Chaturvedi, Consultant Neurology and Head of Stroke Program at Aster Whitefield Hospital, recognising the warning signs, calling an ambulance immediately and avoiding unsafe home remedies are among the most important steps people can take when a stroke is suspected.Here is what you should do in the first few minutes of a stroke. RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS USING THE FAST METHODThe first step is to identify the symptoms. The FAST method is a simple way to recognise some of the most common signs of a stroke.F FOR FACE: Ask the person to smile. Check whether one side of their face droops or appears uneven. A FOR ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm feels weak or drifts down, it could be a warning sign.S FOR SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Slurred speech, difficulty finding words or an inability to understand what is being said may indicate a stroke.T FOR TIME: If you notice any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for the symptoms to disappear.Other possible warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, loss of balance, trouble walking and a sudden, severe headache without an obvious cause. Even if symptoms improve after a few minutes, the person still needs urgent medical assessment.CALL AN AMBULANCE AND NOTE WHEN SYMPTOMS STARTEDOnce a stroke is suspected, contact emergency services without delay. Do not wait to see whether the person feels better or assume that the symptoms will resolve on their own.It is also important to note when the symptoms first appeared. If the exact time is unknown, record when the person was last seen behaving normally. This information helps doctors determine which treatments may be suitable.Some stroke treatments are time-sensitive, and knowing when symptoms began can help medical teams assess whether the person may benefit from clot-dissolving medicines or a procedure to remove a clot. Calling an ambulance also allows emergency personnel to assess the patient and coordinate care during transportation.KEEP THE PERSON SAFE WHILE WAITING FOR HELPWhile waiting for medical assistance, stay with the person and try to keep them comfortable and calm. Follow the emergency operator's instructions and pay attention to their breathing and level of consciousness.Help the person sit or lie down safely to reduce the risk of falling. Avoid making them walk around or exert themselves. If they become unresponsive, check whether they are breathing normally and follow the emergency operator's instructions. If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if you are trained to do so, or follow the operator's guidance.Do not give the person food, water or oral medicine. A stroke can affect swallowing, increasing the risk of choking. Do not give aspirin unless a medical professional advises it, as some strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain and aspirin can worsen the bleeding.Avoid trying to treat the condition with home remedies or waiting for a family member to arrive before seeking medical help.AVOID DELAYS IN REACHING THE HOSPITALIf an ambulance is available, use it rather than attempting to transport the person yourself. Emergency personnel can assess the patient, monitor their condition and inform the receiving hospital about the suspected stroke.At the hospital, doctors may conduct brain imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine whether the stroke is caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. This distinction is critical because the treatment for each type of stroke is different.Depending on the findings and the time since symptoms began, eligible patients may receive thrombolytic therapy, which uses medicines to dissolve a clot. Some patients may also qualify for mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure that removes a clot from a blocked blood vessel.Not every patient is eligible for these treatments. Doctors make the decision based on factors such as brain imaging results, the patient's medical condition and when symptoms started.EARLY ACTION CAN IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF RECOVERYStroke outcomes depend on several factors, including the type and severity of the stroke, how quickly treatment begins and the person's overall health. Prompt medical attention can help eligible patients access time-sensitive treatments and may reduce the risk of serious complications.Dr Chaturvedi emphasises the importance of recognising the signs and seeking medical attention immediately. Families, colleagues and caregivers should be familiar with the warning signs so they can respond quickly when an emergency occurs.The most important message is simple: do not ignore sudden neurological symptoms, do not wait for them to disappear and do not attempt to manage a suspected stroke at home. Recognise the signs, call an ambulance and share the time the person was last known to be well. In a stroke emergency, acting quickly can make a crucial difference.- Ends