Stroke Recovery & Treatment: Expert Insights from Dr. Venkataramanaiah Eluru, Tirupati

Doctor’s Expert Answer

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, leading to serious consequences such as paralysis and speech impairment. There are two main types:

• Ischemic Stroke – Caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel in the brain.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke – Caused by bleeding in the brain.

Common Risk Factors for Stroke

Stroke can be triggered by several factors, including

✅ High blood pressure (Hypertension)
✅ Diabetes
✅ Smoking & Alcohol consumption
✅ High cholesterol levels
✅ Obesity & Sedentary lifestyle

Understanding Ischemic Stroke & MRI Clot Findings

Since the MRI scan indicates a clot, your friend’s father is likely experiencing an ischemic stroke, the most common type. This occurs when a clot blocks the brain’s blood flow, leading to symptoms like:

• Paralysis on one side of the body (e.g., right arm and leg may be affected).
• Difficulty speaking or complete loss of speech.
• Cognitive and memory impairments.

Immediate Stroke Treatment: The Golden 4.5-Hour Window

Time is crucial in stroke treatment! If an ischemic stroke is detected early, a clot-dissolving injection (thrombolysis) can be administered within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. This can significantly reduce brain damage and improve recovery chances.

What if Treatment is Delayed? 

If the 4.5-hour window is missed, alternative treatments include

✔️ Oxygen therapy to maintain brain function.
✔️ Blood-thinning medications to prevent further clots.
✔️ Intensive physiotherapy to aid mobility recovery.