Know the signs. Act in time.
Each year in the United States, there are more than 800,000 strokes. Stroke is a leading cause of death in the country and a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65 and the risk of having one about doubles each decade after age 55. While it’s common for older adults to have strokes, many people younger than 65 also have them.
Getting treatment within 60 minutes can reduce disability. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and call 911 right away if you think you or someone else is having a stroke. The signs are:
- Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
NINDS has educational information and shareable resources for health consumers, healthcare providers, and researchers to learn about stroke warning signs, prevention, treatment, and current research.
Learn More