November 13, 2026 · ✓ Medically Reviewed by Apex Clinical Team
If someone's face droops, an arm or leg suddenly becomes weak or numb, or their speech is slurred or confused, think stroke and call 108 or 112 immediately. Note the time symptoms started and go to the nearest hospital with emergency and CT scanning — not across the city through traffic. The most effective stroke treatments only work within a limited time window, so every minute counts. Even if symptoms disappear within minutes, get checked the same day: it may have been a "mini-stroke" (TIA), a warning that a bigger stroke could follow.
Why location and traffic matter in North Bengaluru
A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells begin to be damaged within minutes, which is why doctors say "time is brain".
Heart attack and stroke together account for 85% of the 19.8 million deaths from cardiovascular disease that the World Health Organization estimates occurred in 2022 (WHO).
Getting to hospital quickly is harder when roads are congested. From 6 November 2026, Ballari Road between UAS Staff Quarters and Mehkri Circle faces 18 months of restrictions for a new elevated corridor, and Bengaluru Traffic Police have advised vehicles travelling via Hebbal — including emergency vehicles — to follow alternative routes (Business Standard). For people in Yelahanka, Jakkur, Bagalur or near the airport, the closest capable emergency department may be in Yelahanka rather than south of Hebbal.
The FAST test: spot a stroke in seconds
The NHS uses the FAST test:
| Letter | Check | What you might see |
|---|---|---|
| F – Face | Ask the person to smile | One side of the face has dropped; the mouth or eye may droop |
| A – Arms | Ask them to raise both arms | They can't lift one arm, or it drifts down; weakness or numbness |
| S – Speech | Ask them to repeat a simple sentence | Speech is slurred, garbled, or they can't speak or understand you |
| T – Time | Call 108 / 112 now | Note the exact time symptoms started |
Other possible stroke symptoms
- sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- sudden dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking
- sudden confusion or trouble understanding
- a sudden, very severe headache unlike any before
- numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- difficulty swallowing
Stroke vs TIA vs migraine vs low blood sugar
| Feature | Stroke | TIA ("mini-stroke") | Migraine with aura | Low blood sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden | Sudden | Gradual, spreads over minutes | Over minutes; often missed meal or diabetes medicines |
| Symptoms | Face droop, weakness, speech problems | Same as stroke | Flashing lights, zigzag lines, tingling, then headache | Sweating, shaking, confusion, sometimes weakness |
| Duration | Persists | Resolves, usually within minutes to hours | Aura usually under an hour | Improves with sugar |
| Headache | Sometimes (sudden severe in bleeding stroke) | Uncommon | Typical, throbbing | Sometimes |
| What to do | Call 108/112 now | Same-day emergency assessment | See a doctor; emergency if first-ever or unusual | Give sugar if conscious; emergency if no improvement |
Never assume it's "just a migraine" or low sugar if FAST signs are present. Only a doctor, usually with a brain scan, can tell. Check sugar if you can, but don't delay calling for help.
What to do while waiting for the ambulance
- Call 108 or 112 and say you suspect a stroke.
- Note the time symptoms started — or when the person was last seen well. This guides treatment.
- Don't give food, drink or medicines, including aspirin — swallowing may be affected, and aspirin can be harmful if the stroke is caused by bleeding.
- Lay them on their side if they are drowsy or vomiting, with the head slightly raised.
- Gather information — current medicines (especially blood thinners), medical conditions, and a contact number for family.
- Don't let them "sleep it off".
What happens at the hospital
The emergency team will quickly assess the person, check blood sugar, and arrange an urgent CT scan (sometimes MRI) to see whether the stroke is caused by a clot or a bleed. For clot-related strokes, clot-dissolving medicine (thrombolysis) may be given if the patient arrives within the time window — generally within a few hours of symptom onset. Some patients may be suitable for a procedure to remove the clot. Bleeding strokes need different treatment, and sometimes neurosurgery.
Recovery often involves physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, starting as soon as it is safe.
Reduce your stroke risk
| Risk factor | What helps |
|---|---|
| High blood pressure | Regular checks; follow treatment — the single biggest modifiable risk |
| Diabetes | Keep blood sugar in target range |
| Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) | Diagnosis and treatment, sometimes blood thinners |
| Smoking and tobacco | Quit — risk falls over time |
| High cholesterol | Diet, exercise, medicines if advised |
| Inactivity and excess weight | 150 minutes of moderate activity a week; balanced diet |
A preventive health check can pick up hidden risks like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol.
How we can help
The Neurology department at Apex Multispeciality Hospital evaluates and treats stroke, TIA and other brain and nerve conditions. Where surgery is needed, our Neurosurgery team is involved, and rehabilitation is provided by Physiotherapy and Neuro-Rehabilitation.
Save our emergency number today, and contact us for a neurology consultation if you have had warning symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FAST test for stroke?
FAST stands for Face (has it drooped?), Arms (can they raise both?), Speech (is it slurred or confused?) and Time (call 108 or 112 immediately). Any one of these signs can mean a stroke.
What should I do if stroke symptoms go away?
Still get emergency medical assessment the same day. Symptoms that disappear may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is a warning sign of a possible future stroke and needs urgent investigation.
Should I give aspirin to someone having a stroke?
No. Do not give aspirin, food or drink. Some strokes are caused by bleeding, and aspirin could make them worse. Swallowing may also be affected. Wait for medical assessment and a brain scan.
How quickly does stroke treatment need to start?
As soon as possible. Clot-dissolving treatment for ischaemic stroke is only given within a limited time window, generally a few hours from symptom onset, so note the time symptoms began and get to the nearest capable hospital.
Is there a neurologist near Yelahanka and the airport road?
Apex Multispeciality Hospital on Bellahalli Main Road, Yelahanka, Sathanur has Neurology, Neurosurgery and rehabilitation services. In an emergency call +91-80-29917805 or 108.
Contact Apex Multispeciality Hospital, Yelahanka
Apex Multispeciality Hospital, Bellahalli Main Road, Near Reva University, Yelahanka, Sathanur, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064.
- Emergency: +91-80-29917805
- Appointments: +91-80-29918321
- WhatsApp: +91 82964 22571
- Contact us and directions
In a life-threatening emergency, call 112 (national emergency number) or 108 (ambulance) and go to the nearest emergency department.
Reviewed by the Apex clinical team. This article is for general health information and is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. If you think you or someone with you is having a medical emergency, call 112 or 108 immediately.
