Stroke Warning Signs

Can you recognize stroke symptoms?

Signs of a stroke are indications that the brain isn't getting enough oxygen. Call for help immediately if you or someone around you experiences one or more of these stroke warning signs.

• Sudden weakness, paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden onset of double vision, dimness or loss of vision
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding language
• Sudden severe headache without apparent cause
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or loss of balance, especially in combination with other stroke symptoms

Sometimes, people will experience stroke symptoms that disappear within a few minutes. These "mini-strokes" - transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) - are caused by temporary interruptions to the blood supply of the brain. TIAs are a risk factor for stroke and shouldn't be ignored. About one-third of people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, one-third will continue to experience occasional TIAs, and the final third won't have further stroke symptoms. Your doctor will perform tests to determine the cause of TIAs and treat the problem through surgery or medication, if possible.

Being Prepared

There is no way of knowing when a stroke will occur. However, there are critical actions that can happen in case of the onset of a stroke.

If you start to show signs of a stroke, be prepared to take action.

• Do not ignore warning signs , even if they go away.
• Record the time the first symptoms began. Timing is critical, because it determines which medications can be given.
• Record how the first symptoms began.
• Do not eat or drink anything. One of the problems associated with stroke is difficulty swallowing, so eating or drinking could be dangerous.
• Collect any medications that you currently are taking. (Bring the bottles, if possible.) If the bottles are not available, write them down along with the dosages or be sure to tell the paramedics or emergency department.
• Call 911 right away. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital.
• If someone around you may be having a stroke, take action for them by calling 911 right away.

Prior to ever having a stroke, you can make preparations. Emergency department professionals would love to know the patient’s medical history and all of their current medications. Sometimes things that do not seem relevant could be extremely important.

The following tips will help you be prepared in case of a stroke.

• Be sure to keep a record of any medications you may be taking.
• Prepare a health record that is easily accessible in an emergency and include doctor names, previous surgical procedures and health conditions.
• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers near the phone or in your wallet or purse.
• Find out which hospitals are nearest you and which ones have stroke centers with 24-hour care. UT Medical Center offers the highest level of technology, the best trained physicians and nurses and a stroke team available 24 hours a day.

Even though there are treatments for stroke, prevention is key.

If you or someone around you experiences signs of a stroke, call 911 immediately as it could save a life.