Stroke Recovery Canada - Recognize the Signs of Stroke

Time is Critical
Recognize the Signs of Stroke

Call 911 if you or a loved one experiences
any of the following symptoms:

sudden severe head pain
sudden blurred vision
sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
sudden weakness or paralysis, especially affecting only one side of the body
sudden difficulty walking

Inform 911 and the Paramedics that you suspect stroke and request immediate transportation to the closest Stroke Centre.

Every minute counts with Stroke!

What to do if you suspect you or a loved one
is experiencing a stroke.

Be able to recognize the signs of a Stroke.
A stroke patient may experience any of the following:

sudden severe head pain
sudden dizziness
sudden blurred vision
sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
sudden difficulty walking
sudden weakness or paralysis especially affecting only one side of the body

Call 911! Remember - Time is Critical.
A stroke is caused when the flow of blood to brain cells is interrupted. Within a short time brain cells will begin to die. The length of time a patient goes without receiving treatment is directly related to the severity of the stroke and difficulty with the recovery.

Inform the 911 Operator, the paramedics and the first Health Care Professional you encounter that you suspect you or the patient is having a stroke.