Stroke: Everything You Need to Know About Signs, Prevention and Treatment
Do not wait for a clinic appointment, even if the symptoms improve.
📞 Call 112 (Emergency)A brain stroke is a medical emergency. Recognising the symptoms and getting immediate hospital care can make a significant difference to treatment and recovery.
This guide explains stroke symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment options. It also introduces the neurovascular expertise of Dr. Dibya Jyoti Mahakul, a neurosurgeon in Delhi.
- Learn the BE FAST signs and act at once. See the signs
- Never dismiss temporary symptoms: a TIA is still an emergency.
- Control blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, and avoid tobacco. Prevention
- Treatment depends on the stroke type, so scans come first. Treatment options
What Is a Brain Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain becomes blocked or a blood vessel ruptures. Brain cells can be damaged when their supply of oxygen is interrupted.
There are two main types:
Ischaemic stroke
A blockage interrupts blood flow to part of the brain.
Haemorrhagic stroke
A blood vessel leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain.
The distinction matters because treatment differs. Brain imaging helps doctors identify the type of stroke and choose an appropriate approach.
Stroke Symptoms: Remember BE FAST
Stroke symptoms usually begin suddenly. Use BE FAST to remember key warning signs:
A sudden, unusually severe headache can also be a warning sign. Not everyone experiences every symptom, so do not wait for the complete checklist before acting.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?
Call emergency services and explain that you suspect a stroke. Note when symptoms began. If the onset is uncertain, tell the team when the person was last known to be well.
Do not drive yourself to hospital. Follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions and avoid delaying care to contact a particular specialist.
What Is a TIA or “Mini-Stroke”?
A transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, causes temporary stroke-like symptoms. Although the symptoms may disappear, a TIA is still an emergency and can warn of a future stroke.
Temporary weakness, speech difficulty or vision loss should never be dismissed simply because the person feels better afterwards. Urgent assessment helps identify the cause and guide preventive treatment.
Who Is at Risk of Stroke?
Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors increase stroke risk, including:
High blood pressure may have no noticeable symptoms, making regular checks important. Stroke is more common with increasing age, but younger adults can also experience it.
Stroke Prevention: Practical Steps to Reduce Your Risk
Manage Blood Pressure and Existing Conditions
Work with your doctor to control blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart conditions. Take prescribed medicines consistently and discuss any concerns before changing or stopping them.
Stay Physically Active
Regular activity supports blood pressure, weight and cardiovascular health. Many adults can aim for around 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, adapted to their health and ability. After a stroke, follow an individual rehabilitation plan.
Choose Balanced Meals
Include vegetables, fruit, whole grains and other fibre-rich foods. Limit excess salt and foods high in saturated or trans fats.
Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol
Stopping smoking is an important preventive step. Ask for support if quitting is difficult, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
How Is a Stroke Diagnosed?
At the hospital, the team assesses symptoms, medical history and the time of onset. Brain scans help distinguish a blocked blood vessel from bleeding.
Further investigations may examine the blood vessels and identify factors affecting treatment eligibility. Rapid assessment is essential because some treatments are time-sensitive.
Brain Stroke Treatment: Understanding the Options
💉 Clot-Dissolving Medicines
Eligible patients with ischaemic stroke may receive intravenous thrombolysis to help dissolve a clot. This is generally considered within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Selected patients with later or uncertain onset may qualify based on advanced imaging and specialist assessment.
These medicines are not suitable for every patient and are not used to treat brain bleeding.
🩺 Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is a catheter-based procedure used to remove a clot from a blocked artery in selected patients.
Treatment is performed as quickly as possible. Some patients may remain eligible up to 24 hours after they were last known to be well, depending on imaging and clinical findings.
🧠 Treatment for Haemorrhagic Stroke
A bleeding stroke requires a different approach. Hospital care may involve medicines, management of bleeding and pressure, and procedures or surgery when indicated. Treatment depends on the location and cause of bleeding, its severity and the patient’s condition.
Recovery and Prevention of Another Stroke
Stroke care continues after emergency treatment. Rehabilitation helps address the difficulties caused by the stroke, while follow-up care focuses on managing its cause and reducing the risk of another event.
Recovery varies between individuals. Continue prescribed treatment and attend follow-up appointments even when symptoms have improved.
Specialist Stroke Care With Dr. Dibya Jyoti Mahakul
Dr. Dibya Jyoti Mahakul is a neurosurgeon with expertise in brain, spine and endovascular neurosurgery. His training includes postgraduate surgery at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and an MCh in Neurosurgery from AIIMS, New Delhi. Read his full profile →
His hospital profile describes additional international training and expertise in cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery. His website lists services including mechanical thrombectomy for stroke and treatments for selected brain aneurysms.
People researching brain stroke treatment in Delhi or seeking a planned neurovascular consultation can contact his team. Patients travelling from Noida or IP Extension should confirm the appropriate Delhi location before visiting.
Listed consultation locations:
For planned appointments: +91 93119 86200 / +91 79826 19638
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stroke symptoms disappear on their own?
Yes, temporary symptoms may occur with a TIA. They still require urgent assessment because they can signal a risk of a subsequent stroke.
Can young adults have a stroke?
Yes. Although risk increases with age, stroke can occur in younger people. Sudden neurological symptoms need emergency attention at any age.
Does every stroke need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the stroke type and clinical findings. Options include medicines, catheter-based procedures and surgery for selected patients. See the services page for more.
Is it too late to seek help if several hours have passed?
No. Seek emergency care immediately, even if the onset is uncertain or several hours have passed. Some patients qualify for treatment after extended periods, and all suspected strokes need urgent assessment.
Explore More
Planned Neurovascular Consultation
For follow-up, prevention or planned stroke and aneurysm consultations, speak to Dr. Dibya Jyoti Mahakul’s team. For new symptoms, call emergency services first.
This article provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical assessment.