Visual disturbances . Stroke can cause problems with the cranial nerves which involve vision or gaze. The patient may have blurred or double vision, or be unable to look to the side, or up and down. You can implement a Stroke Screen Checklist to help you identify patients with signs and symptoms of stroke. EMS personnel should support the patient's ABC's and transport to a stroke center quickly.
Time is of the utmost importance.
Remember to call into the hospital ASAP to notify them that you are enroute with a stroke patient. The sooner the patient is treated, the greater the potential for recovery.