Core Concepts & Emergency Recognition A stroke is an emergency where cell death occurs due to ischemia (inadequate blood flow, 87% of cases) or hemorrhage (bleeding, 13%). Interruption of blood flow alters brain metabolism in 30 seconds, stops it in 2 minutes, and causes cell death in 5 minutes. The FAST protocol is critical for rapid recognition: Face drooping, Arm weakness/drift, Speech difficulties, and Time of symptom onset (critical for determining treatment eligibility).

Pathophysiology & Classification

• Ischemic Stroke: Divided into Thrombotic (60% of cases; associated with hypertension, diabetes, and atherosclerosis; symptoms develop slowly/stepwise) and Em ...