Scotland Health Care System: Stroke Warning Signs.

Do You Know the Warning Signs of A Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. In the same way that a person suffering a loss of blood flow to the heart is said to be having a heart attack, a person with a loss of blood flow to the brain or sudden bleeding in the brain can be said to be having a "brain attack."

If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay. It's very important to get to the hospital quickly.

Stroke Warning Signs

Sudden numbness or weakness of 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

Stroke statistics
-Someone suffers a stroke every 53 seconds
-About 600,000 Americans suffer strokes every year
-Stroke costs the U.S. about $30 billion each year.

The most important thing to do if you or someone you are with has these symptoms is to call 911 emergency immediately.