Stroke is a 911 medical emergency, so it is very important to know the warning signs. Many times a stroke will give warning signs called mini-strokes, the TIAs discussed earlier. Typically, TIAs last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and then disappear.

If you experience any of the following warning signs of a TIA or the onset of stroke, call 911:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially if the numbness occurs on one side of the body;
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, slurred or irrational speech, or difficulty understanding others speech;
• Sudden blurred vision or double vision in one or both eyes;
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; and,
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: hemorrhage/blood leaks into brain tissue.