According to the American Heart Association, there are possible warning signs for an impending stroke.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in 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 headache with no known cause.
It should be noted that not all of the following warning signs occur in every stroke. If some start to occur, don't wait. Get help immediately. STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY--CALL 9-1-1.
For more information on this subject or to acquire other AHA brochures, contact The American Heart Association at 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) or visit the AHA website at www.americanheart.org.
SOURCE: Pamplet, "High Blood Pressure," ©American Heart Association, 2001.