Once in the ER, the patient would receive an immediate brain scan and blood tests to determine appropriate management. Mercy ER Director Dr. John A. Consalvo said emergency personnel make initial diagnosis based on classic symptoms of stroke. These are weakness, inability to walk or talk, slurred speech, dizziness, numbness or change in the patient's mental status. According to Dr. Charabati, the major symptoms of stroke are weakness, numbness or paralysis, especially on one side of the body, sudden blurred or decreased vision, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of balance or co-ordination, or sudden severe or unexplained headache. More than 550,000 Americans each year will have a stroke.
Stroke is also the leading cause of adult disability.