Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid
Stroke occurs when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain. This can happen if a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or leaked.
Some specific signs and symptoms include: sudden and severe headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness or balance, slurred speech, drooling, inability to understand words, weakness, and/or paralysis on one side of the body.
Many people can be given treatments in the first hours after a stroke that can reduce the damage and improve recovery. Therefore, it’s important to recognize the signs of stroke quickly and get immediate medical care.
Warning Signs of Stroke:
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Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred?
Time to phone 911: If someone shows any of these symptoms, phone 911 immediately.
Actions to help a person who may have had a stroke:
- Phone or have someone phone 911 and get the first aid kit and AED.
- Note the time when the stroke signs first appeared.
- Remain with the person until someone with more advanced training arrives and takes over.
- If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally or only gasping, give CPR if trained.