Emergency Stroke:
Symptoms and Response
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or
severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few
minutes, brain cells begin to die. Typically, symptoms come on suddenly and
worsen with time.
Know the Symptoms of Stroke
Signs of a stroke-in-progress include:- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden vision trouble in one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Act Quickly
These symptoms might not all occur at once, and they may be subtle, so it’s important to notice even the slightest indication of stroke and act quickly.Even if these symptoms diminish rapidly, they could still indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke.” You should still seek immediate medical assistance for a mini-stroke, because a full-blown stroke is likely to follow.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment could mean the difference between life and death. Early treatment also is key. Stroke treatment that begins within two hours of the first symptoms improves the chances of survival and minimizes the impact to long-term health.
