Recognizing the Signs with F.A.S.T. and Why Every Minute Matters

A Brain Attack That Demands Immediate Action A stroke, often called a "brain attack," happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen. When this occurs, brain cells begin to die in minutes. It's a severe medical emergency where immediate treatment is crucial to minimize brain damage and potential long-term disability. At Yashoda Hospital, our Neurology and Emergency departments are prepared to provide rapid response and critical care for stroke patients in Bijapur. Knowing the signs is the most important step you can take to save a life. Remember the Acronym F.A.S.T. The easiest way to spot the common signs of a stroke is to remember the acronym F.A.S.T. If you see these signs, you need to act immediately. F – Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? A – Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S – Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange? T – Time to Call for Help: If you see any of these signs, it's time to call for an ambulance immediately. Other symptoms can include a sudden, severe headache, sudden trouble seeing, or sudden dizziness and loss of balance. The "Golden Hour": A Critical Window for Treatment The "golden hour" refers to the first 60 minutes after stroke symptoms begin. Treatment given during this window is most effective at breaking up the clot causing the stroke and restoring blood flow. This can significantly reduce the long-term effects of a stroke. This is why you must never wait to see if symptoms improve. Every minute that passes, more brain cells are lost. An ambulance is the best and safest way to get to the hospital. Advanced Stroke Care in Bijapur At Yashoda Hospital, our emergency stroke protocol begins the moment a patient arrives. We provide: Rapid Diagnosis: Immediate CT scans or MRIs to determine the type of stroke. Clot-Busting Medication: For eligible patients, we can administer powerful medications to dissolve the clot. Neurosurgical Intervention: Our expert neurosurgeons are available for cases that require surgical treatment. Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Care to help patients regain function and independence. Recognizing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. can change a person's life.