When a stroke strikes, get help fast

Calling an ambulance and getting timely administration of a clot-busting drug can make the difference between full recovery and death

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
In ischaemic stroke cases, a powerful clot-busting drug, referred to as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, is best administered within 41/2 hours, though the best results are achieved in three hours from the onset of the stroke.
In ischaemic stroke cases, a powerful clot-busting drug, referred to as recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, is best administered within 41/2 hours, though the best results are achieved in three hours from the onset of the stroke. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
Joyce Teo
Senior Health Correspondent
Updated
Oct 29, 2019, 01:01 PM
Published
Oct 28, 2019, 05:00 AM
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Operations manager Charlie Lee, who is in his 50s, was driving home when he felt a sudden weakness in the left side of his body.

When he reached home, his family swiftly called an ambulance.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 28, 2019, with the headline When a stroke strikes, get help fast. Subscribe

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