Stroke or Something Else? Why You Should Never Wait to Get Help

A stroke can happen without warning. One minute you’re talking with a friend or making dinner. The next, you can’t move your arm, your speech sounds strange, or your vision suddenly changes.

When it comes to stroke, every minute matters.

The faster you get medical care, the better your chance of surviving and recovering. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs and call 911 right away. Even if you’re not sure it’s really a stroke.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes.

There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: A blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. This is the most common type.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel in the brain bursts and causes bleeding.

Both are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment.

Remember BE FAST

One of the easiest ways to recognize a stroke is to remember BE FAST.

B – Balance
Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance.

E – Eyes
Sudden vision loss, blurry vision, or double vision.

F – Face
One side of the face droops or looks uneven when smiling. A sudden severe headache can also be a warning sign.

A – Arms
Weakness or numbness in one arm or one side of the body. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

S – Speech
Slurred speech, trouble speaking, confusion, or difficulty understanding others.

T – Time
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

What Can Look Like a Stroke?

Not every sudden neurological symptom turns out to be a stroke. Some conditions can cause symptoms that look very similar. Doctors call these stroke mimics.

Some common stroke mimics include:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Migraine headaches with aura
• Seizures
• Bell’s palsy
• Inner ear disorders that cause severe dizziness
• Certain infections
• Brain tumors
• Medication side effects

Even doctors sometimes need brain imaging and other tests to tell the difference.

Why You Should Never Try to Figure It Out Yourself

Because stroke symptoms can look like other conditions, some people wait to see if the symptoms go away.

That can be a dangerous mistake.

If it is a stroke, every minute without treatment means more brain cells are damaged. Some stroke treatments must be started within a few hours after symptoms begin. Waiting too long can mean those treatments are no longer an option.

It’s much safer to have doctors determine that your symptoms are not a stroke than to stay home while a stroke is causing permanent damage.

Why Calling 911 Matters

Many people think driving to the emergency department is faster than calling an ambulance.

In most cases, it isn’t.

When you call 911:

• EMS providers can begin evaluating you immediately.
• They can alert the hospital that a possible stroke patient is on the way.
• The stroke team can prepare before you arrive.
• You receive faster evaluation and treatment after reaching the hospital.
• If your condition worsens during transport, trained professionals are there to help.

Driving yourself, or having a family member drive, can delay treatment and put everyone at risk.

Can Stroke Symptoms Go Away?

Yes.

Sometimes stroke symptoms disappear after a few minutes or hours. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke.”

A TIA is still a medical emergency.

A TIA is often a warning that a larger stroke may happen soon. Getting evaluated right away gives your healthcare team the chance to find the cause and help prevent a future stroke.

Can You Prevent a Stroke?

Many strokes are preventable.

You can lower your risk by:

• Controlling high blood pressure
• Managing diabetes
• Treating atrial fibrillation
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Seeing your primary care provider for regular checkups

Trust Grady for Stroke Care

When every second counts, experience matters.

Grady’s Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center, a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, has provided advanced stroke care for more than two decades. Our specialists use leading technology and proven treatments to diagnose stroke quickly and deliver life-saving care.

The Bottom Line

If you notice sudden problems with balance, vision, your face, your arms, or your speech, don’t wait to see if the symptoms improve.

Remember BE FAST.

Call 911 immediately.

It could save your brain. It could save your life.