Warning Signs

A Fast Response Is More Important Than Ever

Administering a drug called tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) can treat ischemic strokes, if given within three hours of a stroke. This "clot-buster" medication works by dissolving the blood clot and restoring blood flow to the brain. In order to meet the time line for t-PA administration, it is important to get to a hospital within 60 minutes to be evaluated.

Don't Ignore the Symptoms!

Symptoms of a stroke appear suddenly, and usually there is more than one symptom at the same time. Many times a person may not realize that they are having a stroke. It may be up to someone else to recognize the symptoms listed below and act quickly.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding simple statements
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Other warning signs include nausea, vomiting, double vision, and drowsiness

Many strokes are preceded by brief episodes of stroke symptoms. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. TIAs can appear hours, days, weeks or months before a full-blown stroke occurs. These warning signs usually last only a few minutes and then disappear. Unfortunately, since they go away, many people ignore them. TIAs are often powerful warning signs that a person is at risk of a major stroke. TIAs require prompt medical attention and evaluation. Call 911 or your major emergency medical service number immediately.