THE WARNINGS SIGNS OF STROKE

The Warning Signs of Stroke

A stroke occurs about every 40 seconds.

Do you know the warning signs?

If you do have stroke warning signs, this means your brain isn't 

getting the blood it needs. Damage may be temporary or 

permanent. For example, you might lose the ability to speak, 

but recover it with time. You might have partial or complete 

weakness, for example, in the use of an arm or leg.

The important thing is what you do if stroke symptoms occur. 

The sooner the treatment, the less chance of serious damage 

to the brain. And this means less chance of permanent 

disability.

Stroke Warning Signs

Sometimes symptoms of stroke develop gradually. But if you 

are having a stroke, you are more likely to have one or more 

sudden warning signs like these:

• Numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially 
• on one side
• Confusion or trouble understanding other people
• Trouble speaking
• Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
• Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated
• Dizziness
• Severe headache that comes on for no known reason

Types of Strokes

Stroke symptoms may differ, depending upon the type of 

stroke, where it occurs in the brain, and how severe it is. A less 

severe stroke may be more difficult to recognize.

An ischemic stroke happens when a vessel supplying blood 

to the brain becomes blocked. It can occur for a variety of 

reasons. For example, fatty deposits in arteries 

(atherosclerosis) can cause blood clots to form. Sometimes a 

blood clot forms in the heart from an irregular heartbeat called 

atrial fibrillation. It then travels to a place where it blocks an 

artery supplying the brain.

A haemorrhoidalT stroke occurs when a weakened blood 

vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain. This can also occur 

for a variety of reasons.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a "mini stroke" from a 

temporary blockage. Although a TIA doesn't cause permanent 

brain damage, it may cause stroke warning signs, which may 

last minutes or even hours. Think of this as a warning sign you 

shouldn't ignore.

What to Do if You Have Symptoms of Stroke

Remember that a stroke is a medical emergency. Sometimes 

it is even called a brain attack.

• Don't ignore stroke warning signs – even if you have just 
• one or if symptoms are mild or go away.
• 
  
• Don't wait! Every minute counts.
• 
  
• Call 911 or emergency medical services (EMS) if you have 
• 
  
• one or more symptoms for more than a few minutes. An 
• ambulance can get you to a hospital without delay.
• 
  
• Check the time when symptoms begin. This is important 
• information to share when you arrive at the hospital.

What if you're with someone else who might be having stroke 

symptoms but you're not sure?

Take charge and call 911. Some people may deny that there is 

a serious problem. They don't want others to make a fuss. Or 

they might ask, "What's the big rush?" It may help to remember 

this: What's the worst thing that can happen if this isn't a 

stroke? An unnecessary trip to the hospital. But what's the 

worst thing that can happen if you ignore the problem and it 

turns out to be a stroke? The result could be much worse.

How to Prepare for a Stroke

Few people think a stroke will happen to them. But if you or 

someone you know has a stroke, taking these steps in 

advance may end up making a very big difference. Take 

action with these tips today or as soon as possible:

Ask a health care provider which hospitals in your area are 

primary stroke centres with 24-hour emergency stroke care. 

They are best equipped to care for people who have strokes. 

You may be able to find stroke care centres on line, too. 

Find out which hospital or medical facility is closest to your 

home or work. Your human resources department may be able 

to help you locate those near work. Your doctor may be able to 

help you with this, too.