By Dr. Dipti Ranjan Tripathy

Every year, “World Stroke Day” reminds us that stroke is not just a medical emergency—it is a race against time that demands swift action and public awareness. Across India, thousands of families face the sudden trauma of stroke, often unaware of how crucial the first moments are. New data from Apollo Hospital Rourkela shows that when treatment is delivered within the golden hour, patient outcomes improve dramatically.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die within minutes. Around 85% of strokes are ischemic—caused by blockage of blood vessels—and if detected urgently, many can be reversed with modern treatments called thrombolytic therapy.

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