New Delhi | December 12, 2025

A stroke can strike without warning, leaving victims and their families in a race against time. Sudden weakness in the arm or leg, facial drooping, slurred speech, imbalance while walking, or difficulty seeing are all early signs that demand immediate medical attention. Dr. Rahul Chawla, an AIIMS-trained neurologist and Consultant at IBS Hospital, Lajpat Nagar, says that timely action can often reverse paralysis caused by a stroke—but only if the patient reaches a hospital within a very short period, known as the “golden window.”

According to Dr. Chawla, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted. This can happen either due to a ruptured blood vessel or a blood clot forming inside a brain artery. When blood cannot reach the affected tissue, brain cells start dying, and that part of the brain loses its ability to function. Depending on the area affected, this can lead to partial paralysis or other severe neurological impairments. Strokes can happen suddenly, without any warning signs like headache, and should always be treated as a medical emergency.

The key, Dr. Chawla emphasizes, is recognizing symptoms early and acting fast. Weakness or numbness in one side of the body, trouble speaking, facial drooping, stumbling, tingling, imbalance, or blurred vision are all warning signs that require immediate hospitalization. He explains that the critical period for effective treatment is three to four and a half hours from the onset of symptoms. During this time, clot-dissolving medication, known as thrombolytic therapy, can restore blood flow to the brain and repair the affected tissue, often reversing paralysis.

However, if treatment is delayed beyond this golden window, the medication loses effectiveness, and permanent damage can occur. Dr. Chawla highlights that nearly two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, underlining the urgency of immediate care. This makes every second crucial in reducing long-term disability and saving lives.

Preventing strokes is equally important. Dr. Chawla advises people to control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, avoid smoking, maintain regular physical activity, and reduce salt intake. These lifestyle measures significantly lower the risk of stroke and its potentially devastating consequences.

Raising awareness about stroke symptoms and the golden window for treatment can save countless lives and prevent paralysis. Dr. Chawla’s advice serves as a critical reminder that quick recognition and urgent medical intervention are the most effective tools against the long-term effects of stroke.

 AIIMS-Trained Neurologist Explains How Stroke Paralysis Can Be Reversed, But Time Is Critical

A stroke can happen suddenly, leaving little time to act. AIIMS-trained neurologist Dr. Rahul Chawla explains that paralysis caused by a stroke can sometimes be reversed—but only if the patient reaches the hospital quickly. The first few hours after a stroke, known as the “golden window,” are crucial for treatment to work effectively.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot or when a blood vessel ruptures, stopping oxygen from reaching brain tissue. When that happens, brain cells start dying, and the affected area loses its function. This can lead to weakness, numbness, facial drooping, slurred speech, imbalance, or trouble seeing. Strokes can strike without warning, and every minute counts.

Dr. Chawla stresses that if someone shows these symptoms, they must be rushed to a hospital immediately—ideally within three to four and a half hours. During this period, clot-dissolving medication can restore blood flow to the brain and repair damaged tissue, often preventing permanent paralysis. Beyond this window, treatment may no longer be effective, and damage becomes irreversible.

Prevention is equally important. Controlling blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and reducing salt intake can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Awareness about stroke signs and the importance of the golden window can save lives and reduce long-term disability.

Dr. Chawla’s advice is simple but powerful: know the symptoms, act fast, and seek immediate medical care. Time is brain, and swift action can make all the difference.