Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that one in three stroke victims do not call 911, delaying much-needed care.
"It's the only disease in which someone is paralyzed on one side and they'll say let me see if it goes away," says Dr. Paul Wright.
Dr. Wright, of the Nuvance Health Neuroscience Institute, says it's important to learn the signs of a stroke and to get help right away if they develop.
- Suddenly having trouble with balance or coordination
- Loss of vision
- Having a crooked face
- Difficulty speaking
Blood clots are the most common cause of a stroke, but it can also be caused by a blood vessel rupture.
Dr. Wright tells News 12 if the stroke involves a clot that is blocking blood flow to the brain, emergency treatment is needed within 4.5 hours of getting symptoms.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month.