How to recognize the signs of a stroke & respond when one happens

May 31, 2023

When it comes to stroke, minutes can save lives and loved ones.

“Our goal in working together to prevent and treat stroke is really to give people back those essential moments. This is not only walking again, talking again, and eating again, as we used to focus on for a ‘good’ outcome. These moments are dancing, laughing, traveling, holding hands on an evening walk, and all those things that make life a good life,” says Dr. Aleksander Tkach, Interior Health's Stroke Services Medical Director.

“In a stroke every second counts. Every second we save by all working together to treat a stroke gives people back those moments in life that are precious.”

Types of strokes

Most strokes are what’s called ischemic – a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or burst, preventing blood and the vital oxygen it carries from getting to the brain. Damage to the brain can occur almost immediately, as about 1.9 million brain cells die each minute from the lack of oxygen.

Less common hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds in the brain.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is an episode of stroke symptoms and an important warning sign of a higher risk of having a stroke. Although symptoms may disappear shortly after the TIA, it’s important to get immediate medical help.

Signs of a stroke/transient ischemic attack

The signs of a stroke/TIA are:

Weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg (especially one side of the body)
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Sudden change in vision
Sudden change in the ability to walk
There is usually no pain

For more information, refer to the Face, Arms, Speech, Time (FAST) visual below:

Responding to a stroke

If you experience or witness any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 911 immediately.

Quick treatment can help minimize damage and increase the chances of recovery.

“It is important to recognize that everything depends on early recognition and accessing care FAST. We can make a difference in recovery if we can intervene as soon as possible,” says Cory Bendall, Interior Health’s Stroke Network Director.

“Although stroke care has advanced with better imaging, medications, and procedures that can restore blood flow to the brain, we need each and every person to know the signs and take action.”