The golden hour of stroke refers to the critical 60-minute window following the onset of symptoms, during which swift medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes and minimize long-term damage.

Understanding the Golden Hour

There are two key types of strokes: ischemic stroke, which occurs due to the loss of blood flow to a specific area of the brain; and hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into that area of the brain. In both cases, recognizing a stroke quickly and pursuing immediate treatment is essential to your overall health outcomes. However, in the case of an ischemic stroke, prompt treatment can make all the difference in restoring blood flow to a blocked area of the brain. The “golden hour,” or the first sixty minutes after a stroke, is an essential indicator of ultimate patient outcomes. 

Why is the Golden Hour Important? 

Stroke treatment is highly time-sensitive. Within the first hour, doctors have the greatest odds of being able to restore blood flow to the affected area of the brain and reverse symptoms. After that time, patients may have less-desired health outcomes. The golden hour, or the goal of issuing IV treatment to restore blood flow to the brain in the case of an ischemic stroke within an hour of patients coming through the door of a care facility with stroke symptoms, is an essential part of stroke treatment. 

That does not mean that patients will receive IV treatment as soon as they walk through the door of a medical care facility. During that hour, care providers will conduct a full workup to determine what symptoms patients are showing and rule out other conditions that could require other treatment. 

Recognizing Stroke Symptoms

Recognizing stroke symptoms is an essential part of ensuring that patients get the care they need. BE F.A.S.T! This acronym provides the means to recognize the signs of stroke. 

B: Balance Loss
E: Eyesight Changes
F: Facial Drooping
A: Arm Weakness
S: Speech Difficulty
T: Time to Seek Medical Attention

When you notice signs of stroke, it is essential to act quickly. By following the right steps, you can protect yourself or a loved one and make sure that the necessary medical care is provided. 

Immediate Actions and Emergency Response

If you suspect that you or a loved one are having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital if you think you are having a stroke. You should also:

• Avoid giving food or drink
• Note the time symptoms of stroke began
• Loosen any restrictive clothing
• Help make the person comfortable while you wait for medical care to arrive

Medical care is the most essential element of stroke response. Do not try to wait out symptoms of a stroke or handle it at home. 

Ischemic Stroke and TPAs

TPA is a medication administered for ischemic stroke. It must be provided within three hours of the beginning of a stroke. Therefore, prompt medical attention is essential. TPA can help restore blood flow to the brain, which is essential to positive outcomes for ischemic strokes. 

Hemorrhagic Stroke and non-TPAs

While TPA is the appropriate treatment for patients with an ischemic stroke, it is not recommended for patients with hemorrhagic stroke, since it can increase bleeding. Doctors will administer non TPA treatments for patients with hemorrhagic stroke.  

Rapid Diagnostic Tools and Imaging

When a patient presenting with signs of stroke seeks medical care, care providers will issue a series of rapid diagnostic tests and utilize imaging technology to determine the type of stroke. Knowing the type of stroke is essential, since patients need the right type of treatment for their stroke based on the type of stroke they had. A CT scan, for example, can clearly display any bleeding on the brain. 

Stroke and Aspirin

While the administration of aspirin can help with some types of stroke, it can cause more problems with others. Never administer aspirin to a patient in the midst of a stroke. Instead, let medical care providers make those decisions. 

Receive the Right Treatment for Stroke at Our Specialized Stroke Clinic

If you believe that you or a loved one are suffering symptoms of stroke, do not wait to seek medical treatment. The golden hour can be essential to ultimate patient outcomes. At Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, we specialize in stroke treatment. There are personalized treatment plans for stroke to improve your quality of life. Contact us today to see how we can help you on your stroke journey with our programs including stroke screening, management, and prevention.

Stroke Resources

We’ve Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management

Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a “brain attack”. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.

Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. 

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The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various neurological conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.