Stroke is an EMERGENCY—do not let anyone convince you otherwise. Depending upon the cause of the stroke, severe disability or death can often be prevented if diagnosis and treatment are begun within three or fewer hours of onset. Every minute is critical.

Call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of 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.