Stroke Warning Signs: Why Every Minute Counts

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By the Neurosciences Team at DHS Multispecialty Hospital · Published October 14, 2026 · 5 min read

Neurology and neurosurgery department at DHS Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain cells start to die within minutes, which is why doctors say "time is brain". Families often lose precious hours hoping the weakness or slurred speech will settle with rest. Knowing the warning signs, and acting on them immediately, can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability.

Recognise a Stroke: Remember BE FAST

  • B – Balance: sudden loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking
  • E – Eyes: sudden blurred, double or lost vision in one or both eyes
  • F – Face: one side of the face droops; the smile looks uneven
  • A – Arm: weakness or numbness in one arm or leg; one arm drifts down when both are raised
  • S – Speech: slurred speech, or difficulty speaking or understanding
  • T – Time: note the time symptoms started and get to hospital immediately

A sudden, severe headache unlike any before, especially with vomiting, can also signal bleeding in the brain and needs emergency care.

Why the First 4.5 Hours Matter

Most strokes are caused by a clot blocking a blood vessel. For suitable patients, treatment to restore blood flow works best when given early, and clot-dissolving medicine can only be considered within the first few hours, generally up to 4.5 hours after symptoms begin. This is often called the "golden window".

Before any such treatment, doctors must first confirm with a CT scan whether the stroke is caused by a clot or by bleeding, because the treatments are very different. The earlier you arrive, the more options the medical team has.

"The Symptoms Went Away." Is That Still a Stroke?

Sometimes stroke symptoms last only a few minutes and then disappear. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke". It is a serious warning: a full stroke can follow within days. Anyone who has had stroke-like symptoms, even briefly, should be examined by a doctor the same day.

What to do if you suspect a stroke

  • Go to hospital immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves.
  • Note the time the symptoms started, or when the person was last seen well.
  • Do not give food, water or medicines by mouth; swallowing may be affected.
  • Bring a list of current medicines, especially blood thinners.

DHS offers 24/7 stroke evaluation with CT imaging. Call +91 9081610444.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Stroke risk rises with age, but many strokes are linked to conditions that can be controlled:

  • High blood pressure, the most important controllable risk factor
  • Diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
  • A previous stroke or TIA

Regular blood pressure and sugar checks, taking prescribed medicines consistently, and stopping tobacco all lower your risk.

Stroke and Neurosurgical Care at DHS

The Neurosurgery department at DHS brings together neurologists, interventional radiologists and a neurosurgical team for stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, and head and spinal injuries. Neurosurgical care is led by Dr. Kushal Shah (MS General Surgery, MCh Neurosurgery), who specialises in brain and spinal surgery including tumour removal, trauma care and minimally invasive procedures. The hospital's 24/7 emergency and ICU support patients from arrival through recovery.

Stroke symptoms are an emergency. For other neurological concerns, book a consultation.

Emergency: +91 9081610444 Book a Consultation Neurosurgery at DHS

About this article. Written by the Neurosciences Team at DHS Multispecialty Hospital, Ahmedabad, a NABH-accredited multispecialty hospital. This article is for health awareness only and does not replace personal medical advice. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital immediately.