Ischemic Stroke

Ischaemic stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying part of the brain becomes blocked — usually by a clot. Brain cells die within minutes without blood flow. Ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke (about 80% of cases). It is a medical emergency — the faster the artery is reopened, the more brain is saved. "Time is brain."

Recognise stroke — use FAST

• Face drooping — ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
• Arm weakness — ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
• Speech — ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or odd?
• Time — if any of these signs are present, call for emergency help immediately. Dial 112. Note the exact time symptoms started — this affects treatment choices.

Other signs can include sudden numbness, confusion, trouble seeing, severe unexplained headache, dizziness, or loss of balance. Do not wait — don't try home remedies; don't drive to hospital if an ambulance can come; don't 'wait and see.'

Causes and risk factors

• High blood pressure — the single biggest risk factor
• Atrial fibrillation — irregular heart rhythm that forms clots
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking and tobacco
• Heart disease
• Obesity, physical inactivity
• Excess alcohol
• Unhealthy diet
• Age, family history
• Previous TIA ("mini-stroke") — a major warning sign

Treatment

Emergency treatment within the first few hours can be life- and ability-saving:

• CT or MRI scan — confirms stroke type (ischaemic vs bleeding) and guides treatment
• Clot-dissolving medicine (thrombolysis) — given IV within the first 4.5 hours of symptom onset in selected patients
• Mechanical thrombectomy — physically removing the clot with a catheter; effective up to 24 hours for selected large-vessel strokes at specialised stroke centres
• Supportive care — blood pressure control, blood sugar, swallowing assessment, DVT prevention
• Longer-term — antiplatelet medicines, cholesterol control, treating AFib, blood-pressure control, rehabilitation

Recovery

Recovery varies hugely — from near-complete to significant long-term disability. Starting rehabilitation early makes a real difference:

• Physiotherapy — for movement and balance
• Occupational therapy — daily living tasks
• Speech and language therapy
• Psychological support — stroke depression is common and treatable
• Family and carer education
• Secondary prevention — strict control of risk factors for life

Stroke awareness — knowing FAST and getting to hospital fast — is the single most impactful thing a family can do. Dedicated stroke-ready hospitals are available in most Indian cities; ask in advance which is the closest to your home.