Stroke Warning Signs

Time lost is brain lost when it comes to stroke. In fact, more than 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during the most common type of stroke. If you think someone may be having a stroke, quickly go through the following steps. Ask him or her to do the following:

But remember, these are not the only warning signs of a stroke. Also call 911 immediately if you notice any of the other common stroke symptoms in yourself or someone else. They include

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
• Dizziness or problems with coordination or balance
• Problems moving or walking
• Severe headache with no known cause Other, less common warning signs of stroke can include the following:
• Sudden nausea, vomiting or fever not caused by a viral illness
• A loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, seizures or coma

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “ministroke” causes many of the same symptoms of stroke but begins suddenly and only lasts a few minutes, and generally less than one hour.