STROKE

Overview | Types | Symptoms | Treatment | Resources

Symptoms

It is critical to memorize the warning signs of a stroke.

Every second counts.

The faster you receive treatment, the greater the chance of fewer side effects. Every second you wait, more of your brain is damaged.

Call 911 immediately if you experience:

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding
Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

To diagnose a stroke, employ the FAST technique:

F=Face	Ask your loved one to SMILE.
A=Arm & Leg	Ask your loved one to raise one or both arms.
S=Speech	Ask your loved one to speak a simple sentence.
T=Time	Call 911.

If your loved one has trouble with any of the above tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Mention the possibility of a stroke.