AIIMS-trained neurologist explains stroke warning signs you should never ignore

A stroke is one of the most dangerous medical emergencies that can happen suddenly, often without warning. Doctors say that recognising early signs and getting help immediately can save lives and prevent permanent disability. AIIMS-trained neurologist Dr Rahul Chawla has shared a strong message about the importance of not ignoring even mild symptoms of a stroke.

Dr Chawla, who works at IBS Hospital in New Delhi and founded HealthPil.com, explained in an Instagram video that a stroke may sometimes start with brief symptoms called Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). These are also known as “mini-strokes.” Though the symptoms might disappear within a few hours, they are serious warnings that a bigger stroke could happen soon.

According to Dr Chawla, a TIA can cause tingling or numbness in one hand or leg, slurred speech, drooping of one side of the face, or loss of balance while walking. These problems may go away in one or two hours, but that doesn’t mean the person is fine. He explained, “A stroke happens suddenly. There may not be a headache or any other early symptom before it starts.”

Dr Chawla shared the story of one of his patients to show how dangerous ignoring these signs can be. The patient, a 60-year-old man who had high blood pressure, diabetes, and a habit of smoking and drinking, suddenly felt numbness and weakness in his hand and leg. He also noticed his hand grip becoming weak. These were clear signs of a stroke.

The man went to the hospital, but by the time he reached there, his symptoms had disappeared. Thinking he was fine, he went back home without seeing the doctor. The next morning, the same symptoms came back, but again they went away before he reached the hospital. Dr Chawla warned him that these repeated episodes were Transient Ischemic Attacks and that a full stroke could occur at any moment.

Sadly, the man ignored the warning once more. A few hours later, he suffered a major stroke. This time, his hand and leg stopped working completely. He had to be brought to the hospital in a wheelchair. An MRI scan revealed that he had suffered a large stroke in the right side of his brain, known as the “Right MCA Territory infarct.”

Dr Chawla said that this story shows how important it is to act fast. When a stroke happens, doctors usually have a window of only about three hours to give treatment that can dissolve the blood clot blocking the brain. If treatment is delayed, the damage can become permanent, leading to paralysis or even death.

He explained that many people confuse the early signs of a stroke with tiredness or stress. But symptoms such as numbness, weakness in one side of the body, slurred speech, facial drooping, dizziness, or loss of balance should never be ignored. Even if these symptoms disappear after some time, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Dr Chawla also reminded people to take care of their health to prevent stroke. He advised controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and exercising regularly. A healthy lifestyle and regular checkups can greatly lower the chances of a stroke.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, stopping brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. Acting quickly can reduce the damage and improve the chances of recovery.

Dr Chawla’s message is clear: never ignore even short-term numbness, weakness, or speech problems. These could be warning signs of a bigger problem. Quick medical help can make the difference between full recovery and a lifetime of disability.