Are You Experiencing Sudden Numbness or Confusion?

It could be a stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center ensures quick and thorough treatment.

If you’re feeling sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble seeing or walking, or a sudden, severe headache, don’t waste time. Call 9-1-1 immediately! You may be having a stroke.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts when someone is having a stroke. The longer blood flow to the brain is cut off, the greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save your life and improve your chances for recovery.

The window of opportunity to begin treatment for stroke is three hours from your first stroke symptom. A study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke found that beginning treatment that soon could improve your chances of recovery with little or no disability by at least 30 percent.

• The clock starts ticking when you have your first symptom, not when you get to the emergency department (ED).
• At the ED, you must undergo tests to find out what kind of stroke you have had.
• You have to allow time for the tests.
• Therefore, you need to get to the ED within one hour of your first symptoms. Don’t wait to see if you feel better! Call 9-1-1 immediately!

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