A brain stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked or reduced, preventing brain tissues from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Stroke is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is crucial.
There are two major types of strokes:
1. Ischemic Stroke
This occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain.
It is the most common type, responsible for around 85% of all stroke cases.
Causes include:
Blockage due to a clot (thrombus)
Fat deposits in blood vessels
A clot traveling from the heart to the brain (embolism)
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
This happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding inside or around the brain.
Common causes include:
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Brain aneurysm
Trauma
Weak blood vessels
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Mini Stroke
A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. While the symptoms resolve within minutes to hours, it is a warning sign of a major stroke and requires immediate medical attention.
Recognizing a stroke early can save a life. Dr. Ankit Daware recommends the international FAST rule:
F – Face Drooping
One side of the face droops or feels numb.
A – Arm Weakness
Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm.
S – Speech Difficulty
Slurred, confused, or unclear speech.
T – Time to Act
Rush the patient to the nearest Neuro Emergency Centre immediately.
Other symptoms include:
Sudden severe headache
Loss of balance or coordination
Vision problems
Numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty understanding conversation
Fainting or confusion
Every minute after a stroke, 1.9 million brain cells die.
Early treatment greatly improves the chances of recovery and reduces paralysis.
Dr. Ankit Daware’s stroke management protocol emphasizes:
Immediate neuro evaluation
Fast diagnosis with CT/MRI
Timely clot-busting injection (thrombolysis)
Neurocritical monitoring
Early physiotherapy
Prevention of future strokes
Stroke can occur due to several factors:
Lifestyle-Related Causes
High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Alcohol
Obesity
Lack of physical exercise
Medical Conditions
Heart diseases
Irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation)
Previous stroke
Blood disorders
Chronic kidney disease
Other Factors
Age above 50
Family history
Stress
Certain medications
Accurate and fast diagnosis is key to successful stroke treatment. Dr. Daware uses advanced neuro-imaging and diagnostic tools:
1. CT Scan Brain
Helps identify bleeding or clot.
2. MRI Brain
More detailed imaging to assess damage.
3. CT Angiography / MR Angiography
Checks blockages in brain vessels.
4. Carotid Doppler
Examines blood flow to the brain.
5. ECG & Echocardiography
To find heart-related causes of stroke.
6. Blood Investigations
To identify risk factors like diabetes, cholesterol, and clotting issues.
1. IV Thrombolysis (Clot-Busting Injection)
If the patient reaches the hospital within 4.5 hours, a special emergency injection is given to dissolve the clot.
Benefits:
Restores blood flow
Reduces brain damage
Improves recovery
Minimizes paralysis
2. Mechanical Thrombectomy
In severe cases with large vessel blockage, a catheter procedure is done to physically remove the clot.
1. Blood Pressure Control
Preventing further bleeding.
2. Surgery (If Required)
To remove blood clots or repair aneurysms.
3. Intensive Neurocare Management
Managing brain pressure, stability, and neurological function.
Dr. Ankit Daware provides:
Round-the-clock monitoring
Brain pressure management
Oxygen & ventilator support
Seizure control
Blood sugar & BP management
Preventing complications like infections or swelling
Paralysis occurs when the part of the brain responsible for muscle control is damaged due to stroke.
Types of Paralysis
Hemiplegia: Paralysis on one side of the body
Hemiparesis: Weakness, not complete paralysis
Facial Paralysis: Drooping of one side of the face
Speech Paralysis: Difficulty speaking due to muscle weakness
Dr. Ankit Daware emphasizes early, structured, and multi-disciplinary rehabilitation.
1. Physiotherapy
To improve muscle strength, mobility, and walking ability.
2. Occupational Therapy
Helps the patient perform daily activities like eating, bathing, dressing, etc.
3. Speech Therapy
For patients with speech or swallowing difficulties.
4. Psychological Support
Stroke can cause depression, anxiety, and emotional changes.
5. Lifestyle Modification
To avoid future stroke occurrences.
Prevention is better than cure. Follow these guidelines:
Control blood pressure
Maintain normal blood sugar
Eat a healthy, low-fat diet
Exercise 30 minutes daily
Stop smoking
Limit alcohol
Regular health check-ups
Manage stress
Take medications as prescribed
1. Can a stroke patient fully recover?
Yes, with early treatment and regular rehabilitation, many patients achieve significant improvement.
2. How fast do I need to reach the hospital?
The first 4.5 hours are critical for giving clot-dissolving medicines.
3. Is paralysis after stroke permanent?
Not always. Many patients recover with therapy and medical management.
4. What is the first symptom of stroke?
Sudden weakness, slurred speech, or face drooping.
5. Can stroke be prevented?
Yes. Managing BP, diabetes, cholesterol, and lifestyle can prevent most strokes.
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