World Stroke Day: 5 Brain Stroke Warning Signs Not to Ignore; Delay in Treatment Can Cause Lifelong Paralysis

Bhopal: A sudden drooping of the face, weakness in the arms and legs or difficulty in speaking are not ordinary problems but could be signs of a brain stroke. Every minute is precious once such symptoms appear. If treatment is delayed, a patient may have to live with paralysis for the rest of their life.

When someone suffers a brain stroke, the first question is where to take the patient for treatment. In Bhopal, this question is a serious one. According to experts, 95 per cent of stroke patients end up with disability. The risk can be reduced if treatment is received on time, but patients face delays in reaching the right hospital and in getting treatment started immediately. At the government level, stroke treatment facilities are available at Hamidia and AIIMS. Many patients first go to smaller hospitals. Precious time is lost as they are referred from there to another hospital.

Meanwhile, about 60 brain stroke patients turn up every month at the district hospital in Khandwa district of the state. Many of them are brought to hospital four to five days after being paralysed. This affects the chances of treatment, and recovery may take a long time. On World Stroke Day, doctors have advised people to recognise the symptoms of the disease and get timely treatment.

Stroke Cases Begin to Rise in the Cold Season

According to Dr Mohit Garg, associate professor in the medicine department in Khandwa, brain stroke cases begin to rise in the cold season. One or two paralysis patients are admitted to the district hospital every day. Most of them are patients who suffered paralysis several days earlier. As they did not reach hospital in time, their treatment starts late. He said the theme for 2026 to raise awareness about stroke was 'Act Now'. Its aim is to get the patient to hospital as soon as symptoms appear.

Symptoms Not to Be Ignored

• Sudden drooping or numbness on one side of the face.
• Weakness in one arm or leg.
• Difficulty in speaking or in understanding what others say.
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of balance.
• Stumbling while walking or sudden severe dizziness.

Call an ambulance immediately in such cases. Delay in treatment can cause permanent damage to the brain.

Delay Can Prove Costly

According to Dr ID Chourasia, a senior neuro specialist, the initial time is extremely crucial in a stroke. Prompt tests and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of disability. Some patients are given a special injection to dissolve the blood clot, which costs about Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000. If there is a delay in arranging tests and the injection, the crucial time for treatment can be lost. As a result, 95 per cent of patients end up disabled.