‘It’s been an emotional time for all of us’: Tiku Talsania’s daughter shares update on his brain stroke recovery; the key to identifying early signs

Shikha Talsania, his daughter, shared an update on his condition on Instagram, saying, “Thank you for all your prayers and concern. It’s been an emotional time for all of us but we are happy to share that dad is doing much better now and is recuperating well. We are grateful to the doctors and staff at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital for everything that they have done and to his fans for all the love that’s come our way in abundance.”

Shikha Talsania shares an update on her father’s stroke (Source: Instagram/Shikha Talsania)

Strokes can strike suddenly, and the outcome often hinges on how quickly the individual receives medical intervention. Timely identification and response are crucial to minimizing long-term damage and improving recovery outcomes.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to understand and recognise the warning signs of a stroke. Tests like F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) have been developed to help people identify potential strokes and respond effectively. 

Most common early signs of a stroke, and how does the F.A.S.T. test help in identifying them

Dr Kadam Nagpal, head, Neuroimmunology and senior neurologist at Salubritas Medcentre, tells indianexpress.com that the most common signs of a stroke are identified using the F.A.S.T. test:

• F: Facial droop
• A: Arm drop
• S: Speech disturbances
• T: Time to act

This has now been modified to B.E. F.A.S.T., he says, which includes:

• B: Balance-related issues
• E: Eye signs (such as blurred or double vision)

“These signs signal the need for immediate intervention. The ‘window period’ for treatment is typically 3 to 4.5 hours from the onset of symptoms. During this time, rapid medical action can make a significant difference in outcomes,” he mentions. 

Immediate medical intervention during the ‘golden hour’ is vital because it can prevent further brain damage and improve recovery chances. (Source: Freepik)

Why is immediate medical intervention critical in stroke cases?

Dr Nagpal says that immediate medical intervention during the ‘golden hour’ is vital because it can prevent further brain damage and improve recovery chances. “If the stroke is caused by a clot blocking a blood vessel, administering clot-busting medication can stabilise the clotted area and prevent its expansion.”

In some cases, neurointervention may be required. This involves mechanical clot retrieval, where the clot is physically removed from the artery. This process helps restore blood flow to the brain, minimising damage and improving recovery prospects.

Preventive measures individuals can take to reduce their risk of experiencing a stroke

Though not addressed directly in the provided response, Dr Nagpal states, common stroke prevention measures include:

• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Managing underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.