Stroke Signs

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, killing someone every three minutes. It’s the leading cause of long-term disability among adults. The symptoms of a stroke appear suddenly and can include:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Trouble with walking, dizziness or loss of balance and coordination

Seek Care Immediately

If any of these symptoms occur, immediately call 911 (or your local ambulance service). Tell the dispatcher that it may be a stroke and you prefer to be taken to a Certified Stroke Center, such as the Carondelet Neurological Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Don’t call your primary care doctor. Get urgent help right away. Treatment within the first three hours following the onset of symptoms is the most important indicator of survival and a good recovery.

The good news is that most incidences of cardiovascular disease are preventable. Carondelet is committed to helping people prevent disease and enjoy optimal health. That’s why we encourage you to assess your risk of a heart attack, stroke or diabetes so you can make important changes to improve your health. The more you know, the better you can care for yourself and those you love.