What to Do (and Not Do) If Someone Is Having a Stroke

Witnessing someone have a stroke can be a frightening experience. Because they can cause so much damage and lead to long-term disability or death, it's important that everyone know the symptoms and what to do in the case of a stroke.

This article discusses what you should know about strokes, including warning signs, what to do, and what not to do if someone has a stroke.

Stroke Symptoms

Sudden changes or symptoms that might indicate a stroke include:

• Numbness and weakness of the face, arms, or legs, especially on one side of the body
• Confusing speech or trouble speaking
• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking, loss of balance, or coordination issues
• Extreme headache with unknown cause
  

What to Do

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call 911 as soon as possible.

A helpful tool to identify if someone is having a stroke is the FAST set of warning signs, which include:

• “F” for face drooping: Does the person's face droop on one side, or does their smile look uneven?
• “A” for arm weakness: Can the person raise and hold both arms out equally? Does one drift down?
• “S” for speech difficulty: Is the person having difficulty speaking, including slurring their words, using nonsensical or garbled speech, or are they not able to speak at all?
• “T” for time to call 911: If the answer is yes to any of these questions, call 911 immediately.

When calling 911, use the word "stroke" when speaking to the dispatcher to explain what is happening. Additional steps to take include:

• Remember when the symptoms began, if possible: If you know or can remember, inform the paramedics when the symptoms began or if the patient has just woken up from a night of sleep. Having a time of symptom onset is helpful for healthcare providers to decide the best treatment options.
• Track their symptoms: Be prepared to tell emergency personnel what the person's symptoms are.
• Talk to the patient calmly: Assure them that help will be there soon.
• Perform CPR, if needed: Check the person's pulse and make sure they are breathing.

When the paramedics arrive, communicate as clearly as possible about the events leading up to and including the patient's stroke symptoms.

What Not to Do

In the event of a stroke, there are also several things you should not do, including:

• Don't drive them to the hospital: An ambulance can provide life-saving care more quickly and triage the patient on the way to the hospital so they can begin treatment immediately upon arrival.
• Don't give medication: The type of stroke a person is having will determine what kind of medication they should receive. It's impossible to know that information without diagnostic imaging at the hospital.
• Don't give the person food or drink: Strokes can cause a loss of muscle control in the face and neck and increase the risk of choking.
  

After a Stroke

It's essential to keep the home safe for people who are recovering from a stroke. Some of the difficulties that a stroke patient may have include:

• Weakness or numbness on one or both sides of the body
• Paralysis on one or both sides of the body
• Poor balance and coordination
• Memory loss
• Fatigue
  
• A loss of bladder or bowel control

Managing these residual issues may require making changes in the home to ensure that stroke patients can move around as easily and safely as possible.

It's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations about walking needs and potential limitations at home. Some of the changes may include:

• Improve floor coverings, such as by removing rugs that are tripping hazards.
• Allow more space for walking, and don't rely on furniture for walking.
• Install railings.
• Keep one walker upstairs and one downstairs.
• Wear flat shoes.
• Limit walking when distracted.
• Use walkers and other assistive devices as prescribed.

An occupational therapist can help patients recovering from a stroke better manage daily activities and maintain as much independence as possible.

Summary

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. The faster the person can get medical attention, the better their chance of recovery. Symptoms to look for include face drooping, arm or leg weakness, limb or face numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache with no known cause.

When you call 911, let the dispatcher know that the person has stroke symptoms, let medical personnel know when the stroke symptoms began, stay calm, and give CPR only if the person does not have a pulse or stops breathing.

A Word From Verywell

Watching someone experience stroke symptoms can be frightening. But it's crucial to act quickly to ensure the person has the best chance of recovery. If you or someone around you experiences stroke symptoms or any decline in neurological function, call 911 as soon as possible.