What is Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off (ischemic) or a brain vessel bursts (hemorrhagic). Every minute matters — 1.9 million neurons die per minute of untreated large-vessel occlusion.
When a second opinion really helps
- You were told 'nothing can be done' based on a 24-hour CT only.
- The cause of your stroke hasn't been identified (cryptogenic).
- Rehabilitation plan feels generic — no occupational-therapy goals set.
- Blood thinner choice (aspirin vs DOAC vs warfarin) was made without AFib work-up.
Red flags — call 108 / 102 immediately
- F.A.S.T. — Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech slurred, Time to call 108
- Sudden severe headache ('worst of my life')
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness + loss of balance
Frequently asked questions
IV tPA (thrombolysis) — within 4.5 hours. Mechanical thrombectomy — up to 24 hours for large-vessel occlusions when imaging shows salvageable brain tissue.