Watch for these signs and symptoms if you think you or someone else may be having a stroke. Note when your signs and symptoms begin, because the length of time they have been present may guide your treatment decisions:
You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.
You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg, especially on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Similarly, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes and you might have double vision.
A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you're having a stroke.
You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
Report to your nearest hospital having facilities for stroke treatment right away. Don't wait to see if symptoms go away. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.
If you're with someone you suspect, is having a stroke, watch the person carefully while waiting for emergency assistance.