Neurologists say that if a stroke victim is treated within the first three hours, the effects can be minimized.

If you suspect a person is having a stroke:
Ask the person to SMILE
Ask the person to RAISE BOTH ARMS
Ask the person to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE

If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Stroke is a medical emergency. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others. Every second counts.

Be aware of:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
  
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
  
• Sudden, server headache with no know cause