Every year, thousands of Indians suffer from strokes and many of them could have been saved if someone had recognised the warning signs early. A stroke is not just a medical emergency. It is a race against time. The brain begins to lose nearly two million neurons every single minute during a stroke, making immediate action absolutely critical.
At Mercurrey Hospital, our dedicated neuroscience treatment in Thane is led by Dr. Nilesh Potdar, M.S. MCH (Neuro), a specialist with deep expertise in neurological conditions including stroke, brain injuries, and complex nervous system disorders. In this guide, Dr. Potdar and the team at Mercurrey Hospital walk you through everything you need to know about recognising a stroke because knowing the signs could save someone’s life.
What Exactly Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly disrupted either by a blocked artery (ischaemic stroke, accounting for around 87% of cases) or by a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke). Without blood, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die rapidly.
There is also a condition called a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), commonly called a ‘mini-stroke’, where symptoms appear briefly and resolve on their own. A TIA should never be dismissed it is a serious red flag that a major stroke may be imminent. The neuroscience treatment in Thane at Mercurrey Hospital is fully equipped to evaluate and manage both TIAs and full strokes with urgency and precision.
The FAST Test: Recognise a Stroke in Seconds
The most widely used tool for identifying stroke is the FAST acronym. If you notice any of the following signs in yourself or someone around you, call emergency services immediately:
F – Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping or numb? An uneven smile is a classic warning sign.
A – Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak? Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or leg is a major indicator.
S – Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred, garbled, or are they unable to speak at all? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence and listen carefully.
T – Time to Call Emergency: If you observe ANY of the above signs, do not wait. Every second matters. Call emergency services or rush to the nearest hospital immediately.
Other Warning Signs You Must Not Overlook
While FAST covers the most visible signs, a stroke can present in other ways too. Dr. Nilesh Potdar, our senior neurologist providing neuroscience treatment in Thane, highlights these additional symptoms that patients and families often miss:
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause often described as “the worst headache of my life”
- Sudden blurred or double vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding what others are saying
- Unexplained numbness on one side of the body face, arm, or leg
These symptoms may appear suddenly and may be brief. Even if they resolve quickly, do not assume the danger has passed. A brief episode is your body sending a critical warning that requires immediate neurological evaluation.
Who Is at Risk? Understanding the Risk Factors
Strokes can affect anyone, but certain individuals face a significantly higher risk. Being aware of these risk factors is the first step toward prevention:
- High blood pressure (hypertension) the single biggest risk factor for stroke
- Diabetes and high blood sugar levels
- High cholesterol and clogged arteries
- Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Age risk increases significantly after 55
- Family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease
If you or a loved one carry any of these risk factors, proactive consultation with a neurologist is strongly advised. Our neuroscience treatment in Thane includes comprehensive stroke risk assessments and preventive care programmes tailored to each patient’s specific health profile.
What Happens When You Reach Mercurrey Hospital?
Time is brain this is the guiding principle of stroke care at Mercurrey Hospital. The moment a suspected stroke patient arrives at our facility, a coordinated team response begins. Here is what our stroke care protocol involves:
- Immediate neurological assessment by Dr. Nilesh Potdar or his specialist team
- CT Scan and MRI imaging to determine the type and extent of the stroke
- Clot-busting therapy (thrombolysis) administered within the critical 4.5-hour window for eligible ischaemic stroke patients
- Neuro ICU monitoring with 14+ dedicated ICU beds for continuous neurological observation
- Post-stroke rehabilitation support including physiotherapy and speech therapy to maximise recovery
Mercurrey Hospital is one of the few facilities in Thane with a fully equipped Neuro ICU and on-call neurosurgical expertise. This makes our team uniquely capable of handling both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes around the clock, every day of the year.
Can Stroke Be Prevented? Absolutely.
Up to 80% of strokes are preventable with the right lifestyle choices and medical management. Dr. Nilesh Potdar, as part of the neuroscience treatment in Thane team at Mercurrey Hospital, recommends the following preventive measures:
- Keep your blood pressure under control with regular monitoring and medication if prescribed
- Manage diabetes by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication
- Quit smoking tobacco use doubles your stroke risk
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
- Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, five days a week
- Get regular health check-ups, especially if you are over 40 or have existing risk factors
Small, consistent changes in daily habits can dramatically reduce the risk of a life-altering stroke.
A Word from Dr. Nilesh Potdar
“Most families reach us too late simply because they did not recognise what was happening. A drooping face, a weak arm, slurred speech these are not minor symptoms to sleep off. The brain cannot wait. At Mercurrey Hospital, our neuroscience team is available around the clock precisely because stroke does not follow a schedule. If something feels wrong, come to us. We would rather evaluate a false alarm than be called in too late.”
Dr. Nilesh Potdar, M.S. MCH (Neuro), Neuroscience Unit, Mercurrey Hospital, Thane
Need Neuroscience Treatment in Thane? Contact Mercurrey Hospital
Mercurrey Hospital’s Neuroscience Unit, led by Dr. Nilesh Potdar, offers comprehensive care for stroke patients from emergency intervention to long-term recovery. Located at High Street Mall, Kapurbawdi, Majiwada, Thane, we provide 24/7 emergency services with the infrastructure and expertise to handle the most critical neurological cases.
Do not wait for a second warning. If you or a loved one has experienced any stroke symptoms or carries risk factors, book a consultation with our neuroscience team today.