Acting FAST During a Stroke Makes All the Difference

By Dr. Vipul Gupta, Director – Neurointerventional Surgery, Sir H.N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai

Stroke is a major health emergency, and among the different types of strokes, ischemic stroke is by far the most common—accounting for nearly 87% of all stroke cases globally. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain, cutting off the oxygen supply. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Because the brain is extremely sensitive to lack of blood flow, timely treatment is critical. The faster a patient receives medical attention, the better the chances of minimizing long-term disability or even preventing death.

Early detection of an ischemic stroke is the most important factor that influences outcomes. Unfortunately, many people fail to recognize the symptoms or underestimate their seriousness, delaying medical intervention. In stroke care, time is brain—every second counts, and a fast response can dramatically change the course of recovery.

The hallmark symptoms of an ischemic stroke tend to appear suddenly. One of the earliest and most visible signs is facial drooping. This typically manifests as one side of the face appearing uneven or numb, and the person may be unable to smile symmetrically. Arm weakness is another red flag; if the person cannot raise both arms or if one arm drifts downward, it is a strong warning sign. Speech difficulties follow—ranging from slurred speech to trouble understanding or forming sentences. Other potential signs include sudden blurred or double vision, unsteadiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, or a thunderclap headache with no apparent cause.

To simplify the identification of stroke symptoms, the American Heart Association recommends the acronym FAST:

• F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face sag or feel numb?
• A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Can the person raise both arms?
• S – Slurred Speech: Is the speech slurred or incoherent?
• T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If any of these signs are observed, seek immediate medical help.

Recognizing these symptoms quickly and seeking urgent care can prevent brain damage and improve the likelihood of a full recovery. Modern neurointerventional procedures, such as mechanical thrombectomy—a minimally invasive technique to remove the clot—have revolutionized stroke treatment, but they are highly time-sensitive. Their effectiveness diminishes with each passing hour.

While rapid response is essential during a stroke, prevention is the ultimate key to reducing the burden of the disease. Controlling high blood pressure—the most significant risk factor—can significantly cut down the chances of stroke. Similarly, people living with diabetes should manage their blood sugar levels diligently, as fluctuating glucose levels can damage blood vessels and raise stroke risk. High cholesterol also contributes to the narrowing of arteries, and reducing LDL levels through diet, exercise, or medication can offer protection.

Smoking is a well-established cause of blood vessel damage and clot formation, and quitting can greatly reduce the risk. Excessive alcohol intake should be avoided, as it can increase blood pressure and atrial fibrillation—both risk factors for stroke. Maintaining a healthy body weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet—rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—also supports cardiovascular and brain health.

Ischemic stroke is a serious but largely preventable condition. Raising awareness about its warning signs and risk factors is crucial. If someone around you displays even one symptom from the FAST checklist, act quickly and call emergency services. Timely intervention can mean the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability—or even death. Likewise, by adopting a healthier lifestyle and managing chronic conditions, we can significantly reduce the risk of ever having a stroke in the first place.

Let us not wait for symptoms to appear—let us act now, stay informed, and take proactive steps to protect our brain health.