Today there are treatments that can reduce the risk of damage from the most common type of stroke, but only if you get help within three hours of your first symptoms.

Recent research has shown that some stroke patients have a better chance of survival if they are admitted to a designated primary stroke center, such as MetroHealth's Stroke & Cerebrovascular Center.

What are the warning signs of stroke?

• Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headaches with no known cause
• Women may report some unique symptoms, such as
  • Sudden face and limb pain
  • Sudden hiccups
  • Sudden nausea
  • Sudden general weakness
  • Sudden chest pain
  • Sudden shortness of breath
  • Sudden palpitations

What should you do if you think someone is having a stroke?

Call 911 immediately if you or someone else is experiencing these warning signs.

Why do you need to act FAST?

Stroke is an emergency! Every minute counts. Getting fast medical treatment lowers the risk of disability or even death. That’s why it is important to recognize the symptoms — and to get help right away.

Learning the FAST warning signs is an easy way to remember the symptoms of stroke: