Emergency Stroke Care: What to Do When Every Second Counts

Stroke is a Medical Emergency – Here’s How to Respond Immediately

A stroke doesn’t give you time to think. It arrives suddenly—often silently—and changes a life in minutes. Whether it's your parent, friend, or a stranger beside you, knowing what to do in the first few minutes could save their brain, their body, and even their life.

If you’re in Sangli, Miraj, Kolhapur, or anywhere in Maharashtra, this guide can help you act fast and reach the right stroke-ready hospital near you.

What Is a Stroke and Why Time Is Critical

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked (ischemic) or when a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic), causing damage to brain cells.

🧠 Every minute, the brain loses nearly 2 million neurons. That’s why stroke care is all about speed, accuracy, and expertise.

Know the Signs – Act F.A.S.T.

Use the F.A.S.T. rule to spot a stroke quickly:

• F – Face Drooping: One side of the face looks uneven

• A – Arm Weakness: Inability to raise one arm fully

• S – Speech Difficulty: Slurred or strange speech

• T – Time to Call Emergency: Immediately call a hospital or ambulance
  

⏱ Even a 10-minute delay can make the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.

What to Do During a Suspected Stroke

✅ 1. Call Emergency Services Immediately

Don’t wait for symptoms to go away. Call your nearest stroke center or hospital with neuro ICU facilities.

✅ 2. Note the Time

This helps doctors determine if clot-busting treatment (tPA) can be administered. Time of onset is crucial in stroke management.

✅ 3. Avoid Giving Food, Water, or Medication

Swallowing may be affected. Don’t risk choking.

✅ 4. Keep the Patient Calm and Still

Make them lie on their side if unconscious or vomiting.

📍 Rush to a hospital like Yashprabha Neuro Hospital, Sangli, with a 24x7 stroke response team and neuro ICU.

What Happens After You Reach a Stroke-Ready Hospital

A top stroke care hospital will have these steps ready:

🧠 Rapid Evaluation

• Vital signs, neurological exam, and blood tests

• Immediate brain scan (CT or MRI) to confirm type of stroke
  

💉 Emergency Treatment

• Clot-busting injection (tPA) for ischemic stroke

• Surgery or coiling for hemorrhagic stroke

• Admission to neuro ICU for monitoring and control
  

🛌 Neuro ICU Monitoring

• Oxygen levels, brain pressure, and vital functions are continuously monitored

• Preventing further brain swelling or secondary stroke
  

✅ At Yashprabha, we follow internationally recommended door-to-needle time under 45 minutes, ensuring no time is lost.

Aftercare – Stroke Recovery Begins Early

Stroke treatment doesn’t end in the ICU. We help patients:

• Regain speech, balance, and strength

• Prevent secondary strokes

• Manage lifestyle factors like BP, diabetes, and cholesterol

• Get back to independent living through neurorehabilitation
  

🧩 Our rehabilitation unit includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy—all under one roof.

Don’t Panic, Be Prepared – Emergency Stroke Care Saves Lives

✔ Recognize the warning signs early  ✔ Take action within minutes  ✔ Reach a stroke-ready hospital with a full neurocritical care team

📞 Facing a stroke emergency in Sangli, Miraj, or Kolhapur? Call Yashprabha Neuro Hospital—the best stroke care center in Maharashtra  📍 Available 24x7 with expert stroke neurologists and ICU support