Paramedics Education Campaign back  
Date of Record: January 25, 2008

What happens in a stroke?
  • A strokeoccurs when a blood vessel bringing oxygen and nutrients to the brain burst or is clogged by a blood clot or some other particle. This rupture or blockage keeps part of the brain from getting the oxygen it needs. Without oxygen, the nerve cells in that area can't work and die within minutes. Disability or death can result, depending on the part of the brain affected and the severity of the injury. That's why a quick response to warning signs is so important.
  • Recently there have been exciting advances in preventing and treating a stroke. An example is the use of tissue plasminogen activator, a clot-blusting drug known as tPA. It can reduce the devasting effects of a stroke, but it must be given within three hours of the onset of symptoms. tPA is only used for ischemic strokes (those caused by clots), not hemorrhagic strokes (those caused by a ruptured blood vessel).
  • Stroke is a medical emergency, so learn to recognize a stroke. Time lost is brain lost, so if you have warning signs, take action fast!
Warning Signs!
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Suden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
  • Sudden severe headace with no known cause.
Any of these stroke symptoms may be temporary, lasting only a few minutes. This may be due to a "mini stroke" called a Transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA's are extremely important predictors of stroke.
Don't ignore them!

  • Not allwarning signs occur in every stroke. Don't ignore signs of stroke, even if theygo away!
  • Check the time. When did the first symptom start? You'll be asked this important question later.
  • If you or someone with you has one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1forrapid paramedic and ambulance care andtransport to an appropriate medical facility capable of treating this type of emergency.
We hope you and those around you never have a heart attack, cardiac arrest or stroke. But if one does occur, you can help prevent or reduce complications and perhaps save a life -- either yours or someone else's -- by knowing the warning signs and acting quickly!



New treatments bring hope for stopping a stroke or heart attack in progress