Stroke or TIA Warning Signs and Actions

Warning signs of stroke are:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding what is being said.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause, described as “worst headache I’ve ever had”.

Quick Links: Mary Claiborne, Patient Testimonial Dave Flannery, Patient Testimonial Effects of a Stroke What is a TIA? Stroke Risk Assessment Risk Factors How to Reduce Your Risk Stroke Treatment & Prevention Stroke Center

Actions to take immediately with any warning signs of stroke:

• Not all the warning signs occur with every stroke. Do not ignore signs, even if they go away.
• When did the symptoms start? Remember the exact time.
• Immediately call 911 to activate emergency medical services (EMS) so an ambulance can bring you to the emergency room.
• You may be eligible for the clot-busting drug, tPA, but it must be given within three hours of the onset of ischemic stroke symptoms. Clot busting drugs may reduce the long-term disability from stroke. Every patient must be assessed by an emergency room physician to see if tPA can be used in their situation; tPA cannot be administered to everyone.
• Remember that every second counts -- get to the emergency room quickly! Time is brain!