Signs of a Stroke

Home > Heart Health and Stroke Home > Signs of a Stroke

• What to Expect at the Hospital

A stroke happens when part of your brain doesn’t get the blood that it needs. It is sometimes called a “brain attack.” This is because, like a heart attack, a stroke causes a lack of blood flow. Without blood, your brains cells will start to die within minutes. Strokes happen fast. Some of the most common signs are sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, and trouble walking or speaking. See the figure, "Signs of a Stroke," for a full list of stroke signs.

If you have stroke signs that don’t last long, you might have had a “mini-stroke.” These small strokes — called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — may not last long, but they still require treatment. Also, a TIA could be a sign that you are about to have a major stroke. “Mini” or not, these symptoms are an emergency.

If you have or see someone having any stroke symptoms, call 911 right away. Every minute counts! Current stroke treatments can raise the chances of recovering with few or no disabilities. But you must get help right away. These treatments will work only if you get them no later than three hours after your symptoms began. Do not drive yourself or let a friend drive you. You may need medical help on the way to the hospital. Paramedics are trained to treat you on the way to the emergency room.

If you’re having a stroke, you may not be able to call 911. In fact, you may not even be able to move or talk! In most stroke cases, it’s a family member, coworker, or other bystander who calls 911. That’s why everyone should know the signs of stroke and how to react.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Frequently Asked Questions — Stroke — This publication gives information on stroke, what it is, what a mini stroke or transient ischemic attack is, the warning signs and effects of a stroke, where strokes occur, and how they affect the body. It also explains who is at risk for a stroke, prevention methods, diagnosis, and stroke rehabilitation.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stroke.htm

2.   Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time. — This publication contains information on what a stroke is, the signs of someone having a stroke are, and what can be done to prevent a stroke.

   http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm

3. Cardiovascular Disease: Stroke (Copyright © HeartHealthyWomen.org) — This publication explains the two different types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. It also talks about the signs and symptoms of transient ischemic stroke (TIA) or "mini strokes."

   http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/index.php?view=article&id=581

4. Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs (Copyright © American Heart Association) — Knowing how to respond quickly to a heart emergency is a skill that the American Heart Association encourages everyone to learn. This web site reviews the warning signs of a heart attack and stroke and explains what actions to take to in a heart emergency.

   http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053

5. Women and Stroke: Unique Symptoms in Women (Copyright © ASA) — Women can experience stroke symptoms that are different from men. This fact sheet describes these unique symptoms and provides guidelines on how to act F.A.S.T. and respond to an emergency situation.

   http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WOMSYMP

Organizations

1.   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, HHS
2.   National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, HHS
3. American Stroke Association
4. National Stroke Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated: February 1, 2009