KOMPAS.com - Stroke sufferers have a 50 percent chance to recover optimally functionally if they get proper and fast handling. When symptoms appear such as the face looks asymmetrical, the arms cannot be lifted, slurred speech, stroke sufferers should be handled properly in the first 3-4,5 hours to save the brain. However, in reality, not many stroke sufferers are handled properly. In other words, stroke patients are not treated in the critical period of the first 3-4,5 hours after symptoms appear. Although there is still hope through therapy or neurointervention (if there is a blockage), treatment outside this critical period has a different impact when the patient is treated more quickly. According to a neurologist, Dr. Herianto Tjandra, SpS from Eka Hospital BSD, various factors can hinder the early treatment of stroke patients. Starting from the lack of public knowledge about stroke, lack of vigilance from people around stroke sufferers, and even myths. He said that in the United States, where the population is highly educated, the myth about stroke is still growing. This myth is also what hinders early treatment of strike sufferers. These myths include that stroke only occurs in the elderly, so if there are adults who experience minor stroke symptoms such as an asymmetrical face, this is often ignored. Another myth, stroke is considered as fate, so the attitude of accepting and assuming nothing can be done, worsens the condition of the sufferer. In Indonesia, continued Heri, this kind of myth is also developing a lot. Like if you suddenly experience paralysis, people think of it as a sitting wind. The first step they take is by scraping, spraying, or needing a needle to remove dirty blood. Many patients who come to the hospital with the condition already bleeding. Stroke was handled too late. "Stroke can no longer be considered as an irreversible fate, because actually stroke can be prevented," he said on the sidelines of the launch of the stroke center in BSD, South Tangerang some time ago. According to Heri, with early detection and ideal stroke management, brain rescue can be done in a critical period. A good response from the environment also has an important role. People who have had a stroke usually don't feel a stroke. It could be that symptoms appear from the day before, but many people try to deny it. Stroke sufferers are very dependent on the people around them. Because they can recognize people in their environment, he said. Heri explained the crucial first step in dealing with stroke. Mainly at home or in the prehospital stage. Do not let when admitted to the hospital or emergency room, stroke patients have an acute stroke. At home, if you find signs of a stroke, lay the patient in a relaxed position so that breathing is normal. If possible find a hospital that is stroke ready. Because in dealing with stroke, the second obstacle after the lack of awareness at home, is when the patient is in the hospital. How stroke management in hospitals also affects good stroke management, he said. So, the initial stage begins with early detection at home, you should not underestimate the early signs of stroke. Then if you find these signs, take them immediately to the ER or hospital with integrated rapid management. Usually the patient will find a Ct Scan service. If a blockage is found, the next step is an MRI examination. The patient then undergoes drug therapy through a vein.