A brain stroke is an emergency that demands urgent attention. It's crucial to recognise that time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke, as prompt intervention can significantly increase the chances of survival and reduce long-term health complications for patients.

“A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced, leading to a neurological emergency. This interruption can be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke),” says Dr Rajesh Bendre, national technical head and chief pathologist, Apollo Diagnostics.