Stroke Warning Signs

If you notice one or more of these signs, don't wait. Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or your emergency medical services. Get to a hospital right away!

The American Stroke Association wants you to learn the warning signs of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Be prepared for an emergency.

• In Baker County, call 9-1-1.  At work or when away from home, know what number you need to call in the case of an emergency.  Most areas have 911 capabilities, but make sure you know the number if they do not.
• If you work out of town, find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24-hour emergency stroke care.  In Baker County and in Jacksonville, the stoke center is Shands Jacksonville.

Take action in an emergency.

• Not all the warning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away!
• Check the time. When did the first warning sign or symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
• If you have one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1 so an ambulance rescue can quickly be sent for you.
• If you're with someone who may be having stroke symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.  Expect the person to protest -- denial is common. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action.

If you have the symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately because you have 3 hours from the onset of symptoms to get to a stroke center.  Our local stoke center is Shands in Jacksonville.  You may be able to receive the live saving drugs available to counteract the stroke and reverse the effects of your stroke.  This may make the difference between being paralyzed and being able to obtain your normal life.