Stroke Treatment
Stroke Treatment
Stroke Treatment
In this article
Call 911 if the person has:
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or legs -- especially on just one side of the body
- Slurred or unusual speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or balance problems
- Sudden confusion
- Severe headache
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or legs -- especially on just one side of the body
- Slurred or unusual speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or balance problems
- Sudden confusion
- Severe headache
1. Note Time When Symptoms First Appeared
- Tell emergency personnel the exact time when you first noticed symptoms.
- Depending on the type of stroke, there is a medicine that may reduce long-term effects if given within four and a half hours of the first symptom appearing. Sooner is better.
- If the person is diabetic, check the blood glucose (sugar) level. Treat low glucose with a glucose tablet, glass of orange juice or other sugary drink or food, or a glucagon injection (if the person is not able to swallow).
2. Follow Up
- At the hospital, a doctor will examine the person and run tests to see if the stroke was caused by clots or from bleeding in the brain. Tests may include an MRI or a CT scan.
- Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery.
