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Know the Signs of a Stroke and Call 911

When You See A Stroke, Act Fast! Call 911.

Recognize the signs of a stroke, act FAST and CALL 911

  • Face: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?
  • Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward
  • Speech: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?
  • Time: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, "I think this is a stroke" to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don't delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.

You may also experience any of the following

  • Sudden weakness on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing.
  • Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance.
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Less common stroke symptoms

  • Sudden nausea, fever and vomiting distinguished from a viral illness by the speed of onset (minutes or hours vs. several days)
  • Brief loss of consciousness or period of decreased consciousness (fainting, confusion, convulsions or coma)

Time saved is brain saved

1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. Quick recognition and treatment is the key.

Insist on going to Upstate's Comprehensive Stroke Center. Upstate Comprehensive Stroke Center is the regions' first NYS Designated Stroke Center, and has been awarded Gold Plus Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Center accredited by the American Heart and Stroke Associations.

Ask for the experts, ASK FOR UPSTATE!

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