Every Second Counts: Get Emergency Treatment for Stroke Symptoms

As a neurologist with the Baystate Neuroendovascular Program, Dr. Varun Naragum is very familiar with the many ways strokes present and the lasting impact they have on patients’ lives.

Noting that while strokes can vary dramatically from person to person, one thing is constant: “Time equals brain.” To be specific, Dr. Naragum says, “Any time lost before seeking treatment for a suspected stroke directly translates to the loss of brain cells. No matter the age of the patient, the type of stroke experienced, etc., every minute wasted contributes to irreversible damage, or in worst-case scenarios, death.”

How Common is Stroke?

According to the Stroke Awareness Foundation, strokes kill nearly 140,000 Americans each year, making it the fifth leading cause of death. For those fortunate enough to survive a stroke, life is often very different.

Dr. Naragum explains, “Currently, there are over seven million stroke survivors in United States. Two-thirds of survivors have a lasting disability due to their stroke. The extent of the disability, which can range from paralysis or weakness on one side of the body to chronic pain and memory loss, is tied directly to the amount of damage that occurs in the brain and where it occurs. Again,” he emphasizes, “if you can minimize the damage that occurs, you can reduce the risk of severe disability and death. The best way to minimize damage is to seek help immediately.”

Understanding and Recognizing a Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Without the nutrients and oxygen that blood delivers, brain cells die.

“The most common type of stroke is called an ischemic stroke,” says Dr. Naragum. “In fact, 87% of strokes in the U.S. are ischemic. The other common type is referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.”

Here’s how they differ:

Emergency Treatment for Stroke Begins in the Ambulance

Dr. Naragum notes that regardless of the type of stroke occurring, time is of the essence. “If you notice any symptoms of a stroke, it is imperative that you call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms pass, and do not attempt to drive someone to the hospital. Emergency service teams (EMS) are trained in assessing strokes and can begin treatment in the ambulance. They also play a critical role in determining where to transport the patient for the most important care. People often think they can get someone to the hospital faster than it takes for an ambulance to reach them, but they can’t assess where a patient should go. Taking them to the wrong hospital can be much more time-consuming—i.e., damaging—than waiting for an ambulance to arrive.”

Ultimately, the faster a stroke patient receives medical attention and begins treatment, the better their chances of minimizing brain damage, regaining independence, improving recovery, and avoiding life-threatening complications. Dr. Naragum concludes, “If you have any reason to suspect you or someone else is having a stroke, calling 911 is always the best course of action. Again, time lost is brain lost. Don’t overthink it. Just make the call. It can truly be life-changing or lifesaving.”