What should be done if a patient has signs of a stroke?

When a patient exhibits signs of a stroke, it is critical to activate emergency medical services immediately. Timely medical intervention is essential for stroke patients as the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) significantly influences treatment options and outcomes.

Emergency medical services can provide rapid transport to a hospital equipped to handle acute strokes, where advanced therapies such as thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) or other interventions can be administered. The concept of "time is brain" underscores the urgency; the quicker a stroke is recognized and treated, the better the chances of minimizing neurological damage and improving functional outcomes.

In contrast, delaying treatment to determine the cause or performing a blood sugar test may waste precious time that could be used for critical interventions. Administering aspirin is generally not recommended in the acute phase of a stroke, particularly for hemorrhagic strokes, as it can exacerbate bleeding. Thus, activating emergency medical services immediately is the most appropriate and effective action to take.