Stroke

Call 911 or other emergency services now if you have signs of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.
• A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.

Signs of a Reference transient ischemic attack Opens New Window (TIA) are similar to signs of a stroke. But TIA symptoms usually disappear after 10 to 20 minutes. There is no way to tell whether the symptoms are caused by a stroke or by TIA, so emergency medical care is needed for both conditions.

Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Had recent symptoms of a TIA or stroke, even if the symptoms have disappeared.
• Had a TIA or stroke and are taking aspirin or other medicines that prevent blood clotting and you notice any Reference signs of bleeding.
• Had a stroke and have a choking episode from food going down your windpipe.
• Had a stroke and have signs of a blood clot in a Reference deep blood vessel Opens New Window, which include redness, warmth, and pain in a specific area of your arm or leg.

Call your doctor for an appointment if you:

• Think you have had a TIA in the past and have not talked with your doctor about it.
• Have had a stroke and have a Reference pressure sore Opens New Window.
• Have had a stroke and notice that your affected arm or leg is becoming increasingly stiff or you are not able to straighten it (spasticity).
• Have had a stroke and notice signs of a urinary tract infection. Signs may include fever, pain with urination, blood in urine, and low back (flank) pain.
• Have had a stroke and you are having trouble keeping your balance.

Who to see

Doctors who can diagnose and treat stroke include:

• Reference Emergency medicine specialists Opens New Window.
• Reference Family medicine physicians Opens New Window.
• Reference Internists Opens New Window.
• Reference Neurologists Opens New Window.

If you need surgery or have other health problems, other specialists may be consulted, such as a:

• Reference Neurosurgeon Opens New Window.
• Reference Cardiologist Opens New Window.
• Reference Vascular surgeon Opens New Window.

Some hospitals have a stroke team made up of many different health professionals, such as a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a rehabilitation doctor (physiatrist), a nurse, and a social worker.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.