Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in India. What makes stroke particularly dangerous is that it can affect anyone — at any age — and many people either fail to recognise the early warning signs or delay seeking help. In a stroke, every minute counts. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of the blood supply being cut off.
The neurology team at Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi urges everyone — particularly those in high-stress IT environments — to know these warning signs and act immediately when they appear.
The FAST Test — Recognise a Stroke Instantly
The simplest way to identify a stroke is the FAST test:
- F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?
- A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred, strange or impossible?
- T — Time: If you see ANY of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is brain.
At Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi, our 24/7 Emergency Medical Services are equipped for rapid stroke response, including IV thrombolysis (clot-busting therapy) within the critical treatment window.
Warning Signs of a Stroke to Watch For
1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness
Sudden numbness or weakness — especially on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm or leg — is a classic stroke symptom. If a person suddenly cannot lift one arm, feels one side of their face drooping, or experiences weakness in one leg, call for emergency help immediately.
2. Sudden Confusion or Trouble Understanding
A stroke affecting the language centres of the brain can cause sudden confusion, inability to understand what others are saying, difficulty finding words or speaking in sentences that make no sense. This is called aphasia and is a medical emergency.
3. Sudden Trouble Seeing
Sudden blurred vision, double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes can indicate a stroke affecting the visual pathways in the brain. Do not assume this is an eye problem — seek immediate neurological evaluation.
4. Sudden Severe Headache
A sudden, severe headache described as “the worst headache of my life” — especially with no known cause — can signal a haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) or a subarachnoid haemorrhage. This requires emergency imaging and immediate treatment.
5. Sudden Trouble Walking or Loss of Balance
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, or difficulty walking without explanation can indicate a stroke affecting the cerebellum (the part of the brain controlling balance and movement).
What Is a TIA — and Why You Must Not Ignore It
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” produces the same symptoms as a stroke but resolves within minutes to hours. Many people dismiss a TIA because it passed quickly. This is dangerous — a TIA is a major warning that a full stroke may follow within days. If you experience any stroke-like symptoms, even briefly, seek neurological evaluation immediately at our Neurology Department.
Who Is at Risk of Stroke?
While stroke can affect anyone, these factors increase your risk significantly:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) — the single biggest risk factor
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Diabetes and high cholesterol
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Previous stroke or TIA
- Family history of stroke
- Age above 55 — though younger people are increasingly affected
IT professionals in Pune who work night shifts, experience chronic stress, have irregular diets and limited physical activity are at a growing risk. Managing these lifestyle factors is critical for stroke prevention.
Stroke Treatment — Why the First 4.5 Hours Matter
For ischaemic stroke (caused by a clot), IV thrombolysis with tPA is most effective within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Mechanical thrombectomy (clot removal) can be performed within 24 hours in selected cases. The earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of full recovery.
This is why calling for emergency help the moment symptoms appear — rather than waiting to “see how it goes” — is critical.
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Recovery after stroke depends on the severity and the brain areas affected. Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi offers integrated post-stroke rehabilitation through our Rehabilitation Centre, including physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy to help patients regain independence and quality of life.
Act Now — Not Later
If you or someone near you shows any signs of stroke, do not drive to hospital — call for emergency transport immediately. Time lost is brain lost.
For non-emergency neurological concerns, headaches, TIA evaluation or stroke risk assessment, book a consultation with our neurologist in Hinjawadi today. Call 1800-210-4949.
Early detection. Expert care.
