A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Every second counts because “Time is Brain”—nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. Recognising the signs early can be the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.
How to Spot a Stroke: The B.E. F.A.S.T. Method
As a NIMS-trained Neurologist, I recommend everyone learn the B.E. F.A.S.T. acronym to identify stroke symptoms in seconds:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- E – Eyes: Sudden blurred, double, or total loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange? Can they repeat a simple sentence?
- T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call 7989425203 or emergency services immediately.
Other Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore
Beyond the common signs, a stroke can also manifest as:
- A sudden, excruciating “thunderclap” headache with no known cause.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding others.
- Sudden numbness, especially on one side of the body.
Expert Stroke Care in Chandanagar
At Preetham Neuro Centre, led by Dr. Preetham Reddy (MD JIPMER, DM Neurology NIMS), we provide rapid diagnostic evaluations and comprehensive neuro-rehabilitation for stroke patients in Chandanagar, Madinaguda, and BHEL. With over 13 years of experience, we focus on helping patients navigate the complexities of recovery with advanced, patient-centric care.
