Stroke Symptoms

If any of the following important stroke warning signs occur, go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding. Delayed or confused speech may occur.
Sudden problems with walking, severe dizziness; or loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden, severe headache, for no apparent reason.
Difficulty swallowing.

A stroke is a medical emergency

It's important to understand that stroke warning symptoms are signs of an emergency. During a stroke, 1.9 billion brain cells die for every minute brain cells are deprived of oxygen. Furthermore, when appropriate treatment is initiated within the first few hours of noticing stroke symptoms, the chances of survival and recovery are much higher. The time when symptoms began or when the person was last seen behaving normally is important.

The person with signs of stroke should lie down while waiting for an emergency vehicle to arrive. Monitor the person with suspected stroke and lift their chin to open their airway. Check for breathing and pulse. If necessary, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
If the person is breathing but unconscious, turn them onto their side. (Do not move the person if you suspect a head, neck, or back injury.)
If the person is conscious, try to reassure and comfort them. Loosen any constricting clothing or jewelry. If the person is having difficulty swallowing, try turning them on their side. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.