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Call 9-1-1 or
other emergency services immediately if
Signs of a stroke develop suddenly.
These may include:
- Numbness, weakness, or inability to move the face, arm,
or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Vision problems which occur in one or both eyes. Symptoms
include dimness, blurring, double vision or loss of vision.
- Confusion is experienced, such as trouble speaking or
understanding language.
- You experience trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance
or coordination.
- You experience a severe headache with no known cause.
You have signs of a transient
ischemic attack (TIA). Symptoms are similar to those of a
stroke, except:
- The loss of vision is usually described as a sensation
that a shade is being pulled down over your eyes.
- TIA symptoms typically disappear after 10 to 20 minutes
but may last up to 24 hours. There is no way
to tell whether symptoms are caused by a stroke
or TIA; therefore, emergency medical care is needed
for both conditions.
Call your doctor
immediately if you have:
- Had recent symptoms of a TIA or stroke, even if the
symptoms have disappeared.
- Had a TIA or stroke and are taking aspirin or other
medications that prevent blood clotting and you notice
any signs
of bleeding.
- Had a stroke and have a choking episode from food
going down your windpipe.
- Experience signs of a blood clot in a deep
blood vessel, which include redness, warmth,
and pain in a specific area of your arm or leg.
Call your doctor for an appointment if you:
- Think you have had a TIA in the past and have not
talked with your doctor about it.
- Have a pressure
sore after experiencing a stroke. Pressure
sores usually develop along the elbows, heels,
knees,
buttocks,
and tailbone
and on the back along the spine, and are caused by
staying in one position too long. The first sign
of a pressure
sore is a reddened area that does not go away with
rubbing or massaging.
- Have had a stroke and notice that your affected arm
or leg is becoming increasingly stiff or you are not
able to straighten it.
- Have had a stroke and notice signs of a urinary tract
infection. Signs may include fever, pain with urination,
blood in urine and low back (flank) pain.
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Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you have signs of a stroke.
Emergency medical care is needed to prevent or treat any complications
that may be life-threatening. Prompt treatment may prevent extensive
damage to the brain, decreasing permanent disabilities from
the stroke.
If the stroke is caused by a blood clot, early care by a doctor
in the emergency room or hospital is critical. If you seek help
within three hours, you can sometimes receive a medication that
dissolves clots such as tissue
plasminogen activator, or t-PA, but this medication should be given
within the first three hours after symptoms
begin. Not everyone can safely receive this medication. |
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