What is the 'golden window' for stroke treatment according to Dr Rahul Chawla?

The 'golden window' is the crucial 3 to 4.5-hour period after stroke onset during which medical intervention can be most effective.

What happens if a stroke patient misses the 4.5-hour window?

Beyond 4.5 hours, clot-dissolving injections become ineffective, increasing the risk of permanent brain damage and paralysis.

How many brain cells are lost every minute during a stroke?

Approximately two million brain cells are lost every minute that a stroke goes untreated.

Home / Health / Stroke: Beat the Clock, Save Your Brain

Stroke: Beat the Clock, Save Your Brain

12 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A critical 'golden window' exists for stroke treatment effectiveness.
Prompt hospital arrival within 3-4.5 hours is crucial.
Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke.

A critical "golden window" exists for stroke treatment, offering a chance to reverse paralysis and prevent permanent damage. Neurologist Dr. Rahul Chawla highlights that this narrow timeframe, typically 3 to 4.5 hours, is when clot-dissolving medications can be most effective.

Strokes occur when brain blood vessels either rupture or become blocked by a clot, interrupting vital oxygen flow. This disruption leads to the rapid death of brain tissue. Dr. Chawla stresses that immediate medical attention is paramount, as nearly two million brain cells are lost every minute a stroke is untreated.

Delaying hospital arrival beyond the golden window renders clot-dissolving injections ineffective, resulting in irreversible harm. Therefore, recognizing stroke symptoms and ensuring rapid transport to a medical facility are essential steps to maximize recovery potential and minimize long-term disability.

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