Stroke — Thailand’s Silent Killer: If You Experience Weakness, Slurred Speech, or Double Vision, Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The Neurological Institute under the Department of Medical Services is urging the public to stay alert and protect themselves from stroke, a silent but deadly disease that continues to increase every year. People who suddenly experience weakness or numbness on one side of the body, facial drooping, slurred speech, or double vision should seek medical attention immediately, as prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of severe disability or death.

Currently, stroke treatment includes intravenous thrombolytic therapy within 4.5 hours and endovascular thrombectomy within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Stroke is one of the most serious public health problems both in Thailand and globally. It is the leading cause of death in Thailand and the second leading cause of years of healthy life lost. The disease affects both men and women, and most survivors are left with long-term disabilities, which have major impacts on their quality of life, families, society, and the economy.

However, timely treatment can significantly reduce the severity of the condition and improve recovery outcomes. Prevention remains the most effective strategy. The public should understand the risk factors, preventive measures, and how to act properly when stroke symptoms occur. Controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, older age, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, and irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) can help prevent and lessen the severity of strokes.

Important warning signs that can be recognized by oneself include sudden weakness on one side of the body, facial drooping, slurred or difficult speech, blurred or double vision, or partial loss of vision. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should go to the hospital as soon as possible, ideally within 4.5 hours. These symptoms often occur suddenly. In some cases, patients may experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), in which symptoms appear briefly and disappear on their own, but may recur before a permanent stroke occurs.

Recognizing these warning signs early and seeking prompt medical attention are key to reducing the risk of death and long-term disability. Modern treatment options—thrombolytic injection within 4.5 hours and endovascular procedures within 24 hours for large vessel occlusion—are now available in many hospitals nationwide, improving patient survival and recovery rates.

Source:

www.thaihealth.or.th