A stroke occurs suddenly — without warning. It occurs when blood flow to the brain stops and brain cells in the affected area begin to die, Healthline explains .
The response in the first few minutes is crucial for life and future recovery. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA) , patients who receive a blood clot-dissolving drug within 4.5 hours of the first symptoms have a significantly better chance of recovering without serious permanent damage.
⚠️ How to recognize a stroke in time
To help yourself or someone else, it's important to know the main signs of a stroke. The Stroke Association recommends using the FAST test , which can easily save a life:
F (Face): Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face “hangs” or one eye doesn’t move normally, this is a worrying sign.
A (Arms): Ask him to raise both arms. If one arm falls or cannot be held up, it could be a stroke.
