A stroke primer

Signs of a stroke include the sudden onset of any of the following: numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination or a severe headache with no known cause. Call 911 right away if you or someone else has any of these symptoms.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T., and do the following simple test:

F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase; for example, “No ifs, ands or buts.” Is the speech slurred or strange? T (Time): If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Quick treatment not only improves the chance of survival, but also may reduce complications. Therapy with clot-dissolving drugs must start within three hours for an ischemic stroke — and the sooner, the better. Emergency treatment of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain.

Note these Pittsburgh hospitals with stroke centers: Allegheny General Hospital of the Allegheny Health Network, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Shadyside and UPMC Mercy.