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Stroke Warning Signs

Someone experiencing a stroke may have one or more of the following:

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache

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In the case that a sudden stroke occurs, the National Stroke Association recommends this quick reference guide for recognizing stroke:

Face: Ask the patient to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Do they have trouble talking? Are the words slurred?

Time: If you see any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

The following risk factors can’t be changed:

The following risk factors can be changed, treated, or controlled:

Multiple symptoms do not have to occur. Don’t ignore signs of a stroke, even if they go away.

Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom begin? You, or the person accompanying you, will be asked this important question later. This is vital: if you are within 3 hours of when your symptoms begin, a clot busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

If you have one or more stroke symptoms lasting more than a few minutes, immediately call 911 or the EMS so an ambulance can quickly be sent for you.
Do not drive yourself.

If you’re with someone who may be experiencing stroke symptoms, immediately call 911 or the EMS. Expect the person to resist going to the hospital. Don’t take “no” for an answer because “time lost is brain lost”.