Watched by nearly 90,000 people. Every minute a stroke is untreated, 1.9 million neurons die. Dr. Anand Karnam explains this brutal reality — and why reaching hospital fast is not optional.
Key Points
- Neurological symptoms often have identifiable, treatable causes — early evaluation changes outcomes.
- A detailed history and clinical examination by a neurologist is the most valuable diagnostic tool.
- Modern neuroimaging (MRI) and electrophysiology (EEG, NCS) enable precise diagnosis without invasive procedures.
- Most neurological conditions respond to treatment — complete cure or significant improvement is achievable for many.
- Preventive neurology — managing blood pressure, exercise, sleep, and diet — protects brain health for decades.
1 in 3
people will have a significant neurological condition in their lifetime
Source: WHO
80%
of strokes are preventable with lifestyle and medical management
Source: WHO
70%
of epilepsy patients achieve seizure freedom with the right medication
Source: WHO
"Every neurological symptom tells a story about the brain or nervous system. My job is to listen carefully, examine thoroughly, and use targeted investigations to decode that story — then find the most effective treatment."
In a stroke, with every passing minute, approximately 1.9 million neurons die. Every hour untreated, the brain ages the equivalent of 3.6 years. This is not a metaphor. It is the measured, documented biological reality of what stroke does to the brain — and it is why the phrase "time is brain" is the most important concept in all of stroke medicine.
Why Families in Hyderabad Wait — And Why They Must Not
In practice, families delay reaching hospital for several avoidable reasons:
- "He'll be fine in a few minutes" — waiting for symptoms to improve on their own
- "Let's take him to the nearest clinic first" — small clinics cannot administer tPA or perform thrombectomy
- "It's late at night, let's wait till morning" — stroke is a 24-hour emergency
- "He doesn't want to go" — the patient's own denial (sometimes due to the confusion caused by the stroke itself)
- Not having a plan — not knowing which hospital to go to, not having the ambulance number saved
The Number to Call: 108
Save 108 in your phone right now. Tell the operator: "I think someone is having a stroke." Give your location. The ambulance is equipped with trained staff and takes you directly to a stroke-capable hospital, bypassing the steps that waste time.
What Happens at a Stroke Centre
Within the first 25 minutes of arrival: CT scan to determine if the stroke is ischaemic (clot) or haemorrhagic (bleed). Within 60 minutes: for ischaemic stroke within 4.5 hours of onset — tPA injection administered. This can dissolve the clot and restore blood flow — potentially reversing paralysis. For suitable patients within 24 hours: mechanical thrombectomy considered.
Pre-Hospital: What Families Should and Should NOT Do
Do: Note the exact time symptoms started. Keep the person calm and lying down. Call 108.
Do NOT: Give food, water, or medication. Try to "walk it off." Drive to a small clinic first. Wait to see if symptoms improve.
For stroke emergency — call 108. For post-stroke care and prevention: Sri Anand CNC, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad. +91 90633 66983.
Dr. Anand Karnam
DrNB Neurology · Sri Anand CNC, Chanda Nagar Hyderabad · Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center
DrNB-qualified Neurologist, Fellow of the World Headache Society (FWHS), and Headache Specialist with 12+ years of experience treating epilepsy, stroke, migraine, and movement disorders. Practices at Sri Anand Child and Neuro Center, Chanda Nagar, Hyderabad.
References & Sources
- 1.Neurological Disorders — WHO — World Health Organization
- 2.Neurology — NIH MedlinePlus — NIH MedlinePlus
- 3.AAN Clinical Practice Guidelines — American Academy of Neurology
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Treatment information aligned with WHO clinical guidelines
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All health tips and medical content on this website are written by qualified specialist doctors (DrNB / MD / MPT), follow the above guidelines, and are intended for general health education only. This content is original and evidence-based — not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any health decisions.
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