Stroke emergency in Mohali: How Livasa saves the golden hour & what you must do

Timely action during a stroke can mean the difference between full recovery and long-term disability. This patient-centered guide explains what a stroke is, how to recognise it quickly, immediate steps to take in Mohali, and how Livasa Hospitals Mohali delivers rapid, evidence-based acute stroke care — protecting the critical "golden hour" when treatment has the greatest impact. For urgent assistance call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment.

Introduction

Stroke is a medical emergency that disrupts blood flow to the brain. It often occurs suddenly and without warning. Globally, an estimated 15 million people suffer stroke each year; of these, roughly 5 million die and another 5 million are left permanently disabled. In India and Punjab, stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and death, and its burden is rising due to ageing populations, increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use, and sedentary lifestyles. In rapidly growing urban centres such as Mohali, Chandigarh, Zirakpur and surrounding areas, rapid urbanisation has been accompanied by lifestyle changes that increase stroke risk.

The essential message is simple and urgent: early recognition and immediate transport to a hospital that provides fast imaging, expert neurological care, and round-the-clock interventions such as IV thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy can dramatically improve outcomes. This is the reason the concept of the "golden hour"—the first 60 minutes after stroke onset—matters so much. Livasa Hospitals Mohali has designed its stroke response systems to prioritise this hour with 24x7 neurocritical care, stroke-trained teams, and stroke-specific protocols to shorten delays and start treatment quickly.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain cells begin to die within minutes when deprived of oxygen and nutrients. There are two major types:

• Ischemic stroke: Caused by a clot that blocks an artery supplying the brain. This is the most common type, accounting for about 80–85% of strokes worldwide.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding within or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel (e.g., intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage).

There is also a related condition called transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a "mini-stroke," where symptoms resolve within 24 hours but signal a high risk of a future major stroke. TIAs should be treated as urgent warnings requiring immediate evaluation and preventive measures.

The clinical consequences of a stroke depend on the brain area involved. Motor weakness, speech disturbance, visual loss, coordination problems, and cognitive changes are common. Because time is brain — approximately 1.9 million neurons can be lost each minute during an untreated large-vessel ischemic stroke — rapid identification and transportation to a hospital capable of acute stroke care is essential.

Causes and risk factors

Stroke causes are multifactorial and often cumulative. Some risk factors are modifiable and can be addressed to reduce stroke risk, while others (age, family history) are not controllable. In Mohali and the wider Punjab region, certain lifestyle and healthcare trends increase prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, and high cholesterol.

Major risk factors include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): The single most important modifiable risk factor. Good control reduces stroke risk significantly.
• Diabetes mellitus: Increases vascular disease risk and accelerates atherosclerosis.
• Heart disease: Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac sources of emboli increase the risk of ischemic stroke.
• High cholesterol: Promotes atherosclerotic plaque formation in cerebral arteries.
• Smoking and tobacco use: Contributes to atherosclerosis and vessel damage.
• Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet: These increase the risk of hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia.
• Age and family history: Stroke risk increases with age; genetic predisposition matters for some conditions.
• Alcohol and substance abuse: Excessive alcohol and certain drugs raise stroke risk.

In Punjab, population surveys and hospital records indicate a high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in urban and peri-urban communities. This makes community screening and primary prevention critical. Regular health checks, adoption of a balanced diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, and low in processed salt and fats), tobacco cessation, physical activity, and strict control of blood pressure and sugar levels are cornerstones of prevention.

Recognising signs and symptoms (FAST test Mohali)

Recognising stroke symptoms swiftly is essential. The internationally endorsed FAST test helps laypeople identify the most common, visible signs of stroke. In Mohali, families and workplaces should know and use this test immediately when a stroke is suspected. FAST stands for:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or is it weak?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you see any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is brain.

Additional symptoms that may occur include sudden confusion, trouble understanding, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache with no known cause, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. Not all strokes present with all symptoms — any sudden, unexplained neurological change should be treated as a stroke until proven otherwise.

In Mohali, share FAST materials at workplaces, schools, community centres, and with domestic caregivers. Knowing FAST and acting within minutes increases the chance that a patient will arrive at a stroke-capable hospital in time for potentially life-saving therapies such as IV thrombolysis (within hours) or manual thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusions.

What to do if someone has a stroke in Mohali

Immediate actions you take when you suspect a stroke can change outcomes. Here is a concise, stepwise plan tailored to Mohali residents and visitors:

1. Call emergency services immediately: Dial local ambulance services or call +91 80788 80788 to connect with Livasa Hospitals Mohali for guidance. If you can, state “suspected stroke” and provide the exact time symptoms began or were last known to be normal.
2. Note the time: Record the exact time symptoms started (or when the patient was last seen well). This time determines eligibility for treatments such as IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.
3. Keep the patient safe and comfortable: Help them lie down with head slightly elevated. Loosen tight clothing. Do not give food, drink, or medication by mouth if speech or swallowing is affected.
4. Avoid delay for tests at home: Do not try to drive the patient yourself unless the ambulance will be significantly delayed; a properly equipped ambulance or rapid transport to a stroke-ready hospital is preferable.
5. Bring relevant information: If possible, bring a list of medications, previous medical history, and any prior imaging or hospital records to the emergency department in Mohali.
6. Stay calm and advocate: On arrival at an emergency department such as Livasa Mohali, ensure the stroke is flagged so rapid neurological evaluation and CT/MRI imaging can begin immediately.

Simple community-focused measures — calling the ambulance, noting the time, and getting the patient to a stroke-ready facility — are often the most important interventions family members and bystanders can provide. In Mohali, Livasa Hospitals has protocols to coordinate rapid reception and imaging to preserve the golden hour.

Acute stroke treatments available at Livasa Mohali

Livasa Hospitals Mohali offers a comprehensive acute stroke program designed to deliver evidence-based treatments rapidly. The main acute therapies for ischemic stroke include IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy. For hemorrhagic strokes, management focuses on blood pressure control, reversal of anticoagulation if applicable, and neurosurgical interventions when needed. Livasa’s team combines stroke neurologists, neurointerventionalists, neuroradiologists, anaesthesiologists, and 24x7 neuro ICU care to provide integrated management.

Key acute capabilities at Livasa Mohali:

• Rapid neuroimaging (CT/CTA, MRI): Immediately differentiates ischemic from hemorrhagic stroke and identifies candidates for clot-busting or clot-removal therapies.
• IV thrombolysis (alteplase): Administered intravenously for eligible ischemic stroke patients, typically within 4.5 hours of symptom onset; earlier treatment yields better outcomes.
• Mechanical thrombectomy: Endovascular removal of large clots for selected patients, often effective up to 6–24 hours in specific scenarios guided by imaging.
• 24x7 neuro ICU Mohali: Continuous monitoring, blood pressure control, critical care support, and early management of stroke complications.
• Multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation: Early physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and discharge planning to optimise recovery.

The combination of rapid imaging and specialist teams means patients arriving at Livasa Mohali within the therapeutic windows are assessed and treated urgently. The hospital's stroke pathways aim to minimize door-to-needle and door-to-groin times — two critical performance metrics linked to improved outcomes.

Comparing acute stroke interventions

Choosing the right acute intervention depends on the type of stroke, the time since symptom onset, the location of the clot, patient comorbidities, and imaging findings. The table below compares the most common acute interventions used at Livasa Mohali — IV thrombolysis versus mechanical thrombectomy — including benefits, limitations, typical eligibility windows, and expected recovery timelines.

Both IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are complementary: thrombolysis may be given prior to or instead of thrombectomy when indicated. Livasa Mohali uses advanced imaging (CT perfusion, CT angiography) to choose the best option for each patient and optimises timing to expand treatment opportunities while minimising risks.

How Livasa saves the golden hour in Mohali

Livasa Hospitals Mohali has invested in systems and personnel to accelerate stroke care and preserve the golden hour — the crucial early window when brain tissue can be saved. These elements include pre-hospital coordination, a dedicated stroke team, streamlined emergency workflows, and continuous quality improvement.

Key components of Livasa’s rapid response:

• 24x7 stroke team and neuro ICU Mohali: Stroke neurologists, neurointerventionalists, and ICU specialists are available around the clock to assess and treat patients promptly.
• Pre-notification and ambulance coordination: When EMS or family members call ahead, the stroke team is alerted so imaging and triage can start immediately on arrival.
• Rapid imaging and lab processing: CT/CTA is performed within minutes, with point-of-care labs to rapidly assess clotting status and other critical parameters.
• Door-to-needle and door-to-groin time targets: Protocols prioritise immediate assessment and fast delivery of IV thrombolysis or transfer to the angiography suite for thrombectomy.
• Dedicated stroke pathways: Standardised checklists and treatment algorithms reduce delays and minimise errors during the emergency phase.
• Patient and family communication: Clear explanations of procedures, risks and expected outcomes are provided while rapid action is taken.

Livasa Mohali’s approach recognises that every minute counts. Through coordination between ambulance services, emergency physicians, radiology, and neurointerventional teams, the hospital reduces time from symptom onset to treatment — increasing the likelihood of meaningful recovery. If you live in Mohali, Sector 70, or neighbouring areas such as Chandigarh and Zirakpur, knowing the quickest route to Livasa and calling ahead when symptoms start will make a critical difference.

Stroke treatment options and approximate costs in Mohali

Understanding treatment options and expected costs helps patients and families plan for acute care. Costs vary depending on the complexity of care, need for thrombectomy, length of ICU stay, and rehabilitation. The table below presents estimated cost ranges commonly seen in Mohali and Punjab for acute stroke treatments. These are approximate and intended for planning; actual costs will vary by case and insurance coverage.

Notes on costs: These figures are estimates. Thrombectomy costs vary widely based on the devices used and case complexity. Many patients have insurance that covers a portion of the expenses; Livasa Hospitals Mohali’s billing team works with families to provide cost estimates, insurance pre-authorisation, and guidance. Always discuss expected costs with the hospital's financial counsellor at the time of admission to avoid unexpected billing surprises.

Post-stroke rehabilitation and long-term care in Mohali

Recovery from stroke is a long-term process. Early rehabilitation improves functional outcomes and quality of life. Livasa Hospitals Mohali emphasises early mobilisation and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation pathway that begins in the acute hospital phase and continues through outpatient and community-based services.

Components of rehabilitation and long-term care:

• Physiotherapy: Focuses on strength, balance, gait training and prevention of contractures to regain mobility.
• Occupational therapy: Helps patients relearn activities of daily living (dressing, bathing, eating) and recommends home adaptations.
• Speech and language therapy: Treats aphasia, dysarthria and swallowing disorders.
• Neuropsychology and cognitive rehabilitation: Manages attention, memory, mood and behavioural changes.
• Social support and counselling: Addresses caregiver education, return-to-work planning, and community resources available in Mohali and Chandigarh.
• Secondary prevention: Lifestyle modification, blood pressure control, antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy, lipid-lowering drugs, and diabetes management to prevent recurrence.

Recovery timelines vary: some patients regain significant function within weeks to months; others need long-term support. Livasa Mohali’s rehabilitation specialists create personalised plans and coordinate with local home-health agencies, outpatient therapy centres, and community rehabilitation programmes in Mohali, Zirakpur, Kharar, and Chandigarh to ensure continuity of care.

Preventing stroke and community resources in Mohali

Prevention is the most powerful strategy against stroke. Community education, screening programmes, and accessible primary care can reduce the burden of stroke in Mohali and across Punjab. Livasa Hospitals participates in preventive outreach, health camps, and awareness activities to screen for hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol and to educate the public on stroke warning signs.

Practical prevention steps for individuals:

• Regular health checks: Measure blood pressure, blood sugar and lipid profile periodically.
• Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Reduce salt, avoid trans fats, increase fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Quit tobacco and limit alcohol: Seek support for cessation programmes available locally.
• Manage chronic conditions: Strict control of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease with regular follow-up.
• Know your medications: Take antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy as prescribed; never stop these without consulting a specialist.

Local resources: Primary health centres, private clinics, and hospitals in Mohali, Zirakpur and Chandigarh offer screening and lifestyle counselling. Livasa Mohali can advise families about community support groups, rehabilitation centres, and occupational programmes for those recovering from stroke. If you or a family member have risk factors, schedule a preventive check-up at Livasa Hospitals through this link or call +91 80788 80788.

Why choose Livasa Hospitals Mohali for stroke care and how to reach us

Choosing a hospital for stroke care means selecting a team with experience, systems that prioritise time-sensitive care, and coordinated rehabilitation services. Livasa Hospitals Mohali is a dedicated centre for neurosciences and brain & spine care in the region, offering a 24x7 neuro ICU, stroke-trained specialists, rapid imaging and interventional capabilities. The hospital emphasises patient-centred communication and support for families during emergencies.

Highlights of Livasa Mohali stroke services:

• 24x7 neuro ICU Mohali and stroke team: Immediate critical care availability and neurologists on-call.
• Stroke centre Punjab: Integrated diagnostics and interventions including IV thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.
• Rapid ambulance coordination and pre-notification: Streamlined arrival and treatment workflows.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation: Multidisciplinary inpatient and outpatient services to maximise recovery.
• Patient support: Financial counselling, insurance coordination and family education throughout care.

Location and contact:

We recommend saving +91 80788 80788 in your phone and sharing FAST test knowledge with household members and caregivers. If you search "stroke hospital near me" or "best stroke hospital in Mohali" online, look for facilities that advertise rapid imaging, on-call neurointerventionalists, and 24x7 neuro ICU — these capabilities are critical for acute stroke care.

Final thoughts and call to action

Stroke is preventable in many cases and treatable if recognised quickly. The key messages for Mohali residents are: know the FAST test, record the time symptoms began, call emergency services immediately, and get the patient to a stroke-capable hospital such as Livasa Hospitals Mohali without delay. Early intervention with IV thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy can save lives and reduce long-term disability.

Livasa Hospitals Mohali combines local accessibility with advanced stroke care protocols, a dedicated stroke team and 24x7 neuro ICU infrastructure to improve outcomes during the golden hour and beyond. For preventive checks, post-stroke rehabilitation plans, or emergency assistance call +91 80788 80788 or book an appointment. Empower yourself and your family with knowledge—recognise the signs, act fast, and choose a stroke-ready hospital.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment eligibility and costs vary by individual case; contact Livasa Hospitals Mohali for personalised guidance. Statistics mentioned are approximate estimates used for public education.