Myths Surrounding The Golden Hour Busted!

By Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta

In this era, when rumors and misconceptions spread in no time, it’s essential that credible information reaches the masses. A recent spread of a myth about a first-aid that can be done at home or anywhere else during the Golden Hour post a stroke is sad to see as such information can mislead people and worsen the situation. Let’s discuss the Golden Hour and what should be done in detail in order to understand why this is a myth!

The Golden Hour: Every minute we delay treatment, millions and millions of cells of the brain called neurons are damaged. So early treatment is key, the earlier the person gets to the hospital, the sooner he or she is evaluated and higher the chances of recovery.

After a patient gets to the hospital, a CT scan is done to evaluate for the type of stroke. In the case of an ischemic stroke, an injection called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be given through the vein within the first 4.5 hours of the onset of the symptoms of stroke.

Sooner this is given, higher the chances of recovery and lesser chances of disability depending on the size of the stroke.

It is extremely important that if you see someone getting symptoms of a stroke, you get them to the nearest stroke center as soon as possible.

The first hour is very significant since if the patient reaches a hospital within this hour, the chances of survival are quite high and the long-term damages to the brain are low.

Can we control the situation somehow?

The only way to take the situation under control is to rush the patient to the nearest hospital ASAP. If a stroke is neglected and not caught, early delays of seconds can cost a permanent brain damage or even death!

What is the recovery from a stroke like?

Recovery from a stroke is slow, uncertain and takes time depending on the amount of damage to the brain. Post a stroke, regular physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy helps to re-train the brain and helps in faster recovery. The aftercare focuses on helping to recover to function independently as much as possible by regaining and relearning the skills of everyday living.

The main fact to be understood about stroke is that survival chances can be increased and the magnitude of damage can be reduced if the time taken to take the person for treatment is taken care of. And hence, being aware of signs and symptoms of strokes can save lives around us. No time should be wasted in any first aid, rushing to the hospital and seeking medical aid is the primary step one must take!

About: Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta is the Co-founder, Voice of Health.