What are the Symptoms of stroke and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)?

If the symptoms come and go, or fade rapidly (in minutes to hours), then a TIA may have occurred. (Read more about TIA). Both stroke and TIA may begin with these symptoms:

Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm and/or leg.
Sudden double-vision or loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
Sudden, severe headache.
Trouble speaking or understanding.
Sudden difficulty swallowing.
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially along with any of the above.

What Should You Do?

CALL 911 AND HAVE SOMEONE CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

DO NOT IGNORE THE SYMPTOMS. New, available medications may minimize the damage from a stroke.

REMEMBER: Time is Brain!

A Quick Test to Recognize a Stroke – SAS

Ask the person to Smile (look for asymmetry or weakness), to raise both Arms and keep them up (look for weakness), and to Speak a simple sentence clearly (note any speech deficits).