Call 911 if the person has any of the following symptoms :
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or legs -- especially on just one side of the body
- Slurred or unusual speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or balance problems
- Sudden confusion
- Severe headache
1. Note Time When Symptoms First Appeared
- Tell emergency personnel the exact time when you first noticed symptoms.
- If the person is having a stroke instead of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), there is a medicine that may reduce long-term effects if given within four and a half hours of the first symptom appearing. Sooner is better.
- If the person is diabetic, check the blood glucose (sugar) level. Treat low glucose with a glucose tablet, glass of orange juice or other sugary drink or food, or a glucagon injection if the person is not able to swallow.
2. Follow Up
- A doctor will examine the person and run tests to confirm TIA. Tests may include an MRI or a CT scan.