Stroke — commonly known as paralysis — is a severe and life-threatening medical condition where the brain’s blood supply is suddenly interrupted or a blood vessel bursts, leading to the death of brain cells. Expressing serious concern over this critical health issue, Dr. Mukesh Vij, Senior Neurosurgeon at Abrol Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospital), emphasized that timely recognition and immediate treatment of stroke can save lives and prevent permanent disability.
Dr. Vij stressed the importance of remembering the “F.A.S.T.” formula for recognizing stroke symptoms:
✅ F for Face Drooping,
✅ A for Arm Weakness,
✅ S for Speech Difficulty,
✅ T for Time to Act.
If any of these symptoms appear, the patient must be rushed to the hospital without delay.
Dr. Vij explained that there are mainly two types of strokes:
- Ischemic Stroke, where blood flow to the brain is blocked, and
- Hemorrhagic Stroke, where bleeding occurs in the brain.
In both cases, immediate treatment is critical. If a stroke patient reaches the hospital within 4.5 hours, clot-busting thrombolytic medications can be administered to dissolve the clot and significantly reduce brain damage. Advanced endovascular procedures are now also available to remove clots, particularly helpful in complex cases. He emphasized that “Every minute matters in stroke care — the longer the delay, the greater the damage.”
Stroke Risk Factors and Prevention
Dr. Vij highlighted that high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and stress are major risk factors for stroke. To prevent stroke, people should:
✅ Maintain a balanced diet,
✅ Engage in regular exercise,
✅ Reduce mental stress, and
✅ Undergo regular health check-ups.
He also raised concern about the increasing incidence of stroke among young people, urging the younger population to take stroke symptoms seriously and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Advanced Stroke Care at Abrol Hospital
Dr. Vij shared that Abrol Hospital (A Unit of EMC Hospital) is equipped with a state-of-the-art stroke unit, 24×7 emergency services, advanced brain imaging technology, and a highly skilled neurosurgical team capable of delivering decisive treatment in the shortest possible time. He warned that early signs of stroke — such as unusual fatigue, speech difficulties, or weakness on one side of the body — should never be ignored, as they can be life-threatening.
A Call for Public Awareness
In conclusion, Dr. Mukesh Vij appealed to all citizens, emphasizing that the most effective way to combat stroke is through awareness and swift action. He reiterated, “Act Fast, Save Brain” is not just a slogan, but a life-saving principle. A timely decision can mean the difference between life and death.
