Stroke (brain attack)
Warning signs, emergency treatment and recovery

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Brain cells start dying within minutes, so a stroke is an emergency. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, the emergency, neurology and radiology teams work together 24×7 to assess and treat stroke quickly.

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About stroke

What is a stroke?

Most strokes (ischaemic stroke) are caused by a clot blocking an artery to the brain. Others (haemorrhagic stroke) are caused by bleeding inside or around the brain. A “mini-stroke” or TIA causes symptoms that go away within minutes to hours, but it is a warning that a bigger stroke may follow.

  • High blood pressure is the most important risk factor
  • Diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, heart rhythm problems (atrial fibrillation) and heart disease raise the risk
  • A brain scan is needed to know which type of stroke it is
  • Treatment for clot and bleed strokes is different
  • Rehabilitation starts early and continues after discharge

Time is brain

The earlier the treatment, the better the chance of recovery.

Scan first

CT or MRI shows whether it is a clot or a bleed.

Treat the cause

Clot-dissolving medicine or surgery when suitable.

Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy.

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Symptoms

Spot a stroke: BE FAST

If you notice any of these signs suddenly, call for help immediately and note the time symptoms started.

B – Balance

Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or difficulty walking.

E – Eyes

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision.

F – Face

One side of the face drooping when the person smiles.

A – Arm

Weakness or numbness of one arm or leg.

S – Speech

Slurred speech, or difficulty speaking or understanding.

T – Time

Call 0522-666-4444 and come to the emergency department at once.

Severe headache

A sudden, very bad headache can mean bleeding.

Confusion or drowsiness

Sudden confusion, fits or loss of consciousness.

Note the time the symptoms began. Some treatments can only be given within a few hours of the start of a stroke. Do not wait for symptoms to settle, and do not give food, water or medicines by mouth. Call 0522-666-4444.

In the emergency room

Tests when you arrive

Tests are done quickly so treatment can start without delay.

Clinical assessment

A doctor checks strength, speech, vision and alertness.

CT scan of the brain

Shows whether there is bleeding.

MRI or CT angiography

Shows the blocked or damaged blood vessels when needed.

Blood tests and ECG

Sugar, clotting and heart rhythm.

Heart and neck artery tests

Echocardiography and carotid Doppler to look for the source of clots.

Treatment

How stroke is treated

Treatment depends on the type of stroke, the time since it began and your overall health.

Ischaemic stroke

If you reach hospital early and the scan shows no bleeding, a clot-dissolving medicine (thrombolysis) may be given through a drip. The sooner it is given after symptoms begin, the more it can help.

Blood thinners or antiplatelet medicinesControl of blood pressure, sugar and temperatureTreatment of the cause, such as heart rhythm problems

What to expect

  • Close monitoring in the ICU or stroke care area
  • Swallowing check before eating
  • Early movement with physiotherapy

Good to know

  • Thrombolysis is not suitable for everyone
  • Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks
  • Some patients need a clot-removal procedure, which the team will advise on
After a stroke

Living after a stroke

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Medicines

Take blood thinners, blood pressure and cholesterol medicines every day as prescribed.

Check blood pressure at home and keep a record for your doctor.

Eating and swallowing

If swallowing is weak, follow the food texture advice given by the team to avoid choking.

Exercise and therapy

Continue the exercises taught by the physiotherapist every day.

Small daily gains add up over months.

Mood

Low mood is common after stroke. Talk to your doctor; help is available.

Contact us urgently if

  • New weakness, numbness or drooping of the face
  • New difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Sudden severe headache or vomiting
  • A fit or seizure, or increasing drowsiness
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about stroke

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Stroke only happens in old age.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Strokes can happen at any age, especially with high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking.

Myth

“If symptoms go away, it is fine.”

Tap to flip
Fact

A TIA (mini-stroke) is a warning. You still need urgent tests to prevent a major stroke.

Myth

“Nothing can be done after a stroke.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Early treatment and rehabilitation can make a big difference to recovery.

Your stroke team

Neurology, neurosurgery and imaging team

Neurosciences Aneurysm coiling Physiotherapy Critical care
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • The time symptoms started and who saw them
  • A list of all medicines, especially blood thinners
  • Previous scans and reports
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing to do if someone has a stroke?

Call for help and bring the person to an emergency department straight away. Note the time symptoms started. Do not give food or water.

Can a stroke be treated?

Yes. Some clot strokes can be treated with clot-dissolving medicine if the person reaches hospital early. All strokes benefit from organised hospital care and rehabilitation.

How long does recovery take?

It varies. Most improvement happens in the first three to six months, but people can keep improving for longer with regular therapy.

What is a TIA?

A transient ischaemic attack, or mini-stroke, where symptoms go away. It needs urgent assessment because a full stroke may follow.

How can I prevent a stroke?

Control blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol, stop tobacco, stay active and take prescribed medicines.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Ischaemic strokeA stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel.
Haemorrhagic strokeA stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.
TIAA mini-stroke with symptoms that go away.
ThrombolysisClot-dissolving medicine given through a drip.
AphasiaDifficulty speaking or understanding language.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Neurosciences Epilepsy and seizures Brain aneurysm coiling Stroke warning signs (blog) Physiotherapy Health library

Stroke is an emergency

Come to the 24×7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, or call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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