Here’s what to do — and what not to do — if someone is having a stroke: Call 911, don’t drive, note the time, keep the victim awake and no aspirin.

Published: May 27, 2020 | Updated: September 5, 2023

Knowing what to do if someone is having a stroke can have a lasting impact on their recovery.

The greatest chance for recovery from stroke occurs when emergency treatment is started immediately.

“Stroke treatments are advancing rapidly, but they all have one thing in common: The sooner we can administer treatment, the better the patient’s chances of recovery,” said Mahan Ghiassi, M.D., endovascular neurosurgeon with Norton Neuroscience Institute.

Here’s what to do — and what not to do — if someone is having a stroke

Call 911

It may be tempting to drive someone to an emergency room right away, but they’ll get the proper care faster and get to the right emergency room if you call 911. Not all stroke are the same and different stroke require specific treatments that are not available at all hospital facilities. For certain types of strokes, it may be better to go farther to a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and emergency medical technicians are trained to go to the right place.

Read More: Don’t ignore heart attack or stroke symptoms – Louisville-area emergency rooms are prepared

If you think you are having a stroke, don’t drive to the hospital

Not only are you in better hands with EMTs, but stroke symptoms could quickly impair your ability to drive safely.

Make note of the time

Some strokes can be treated with tPA, a drug that can dissolve the blood clot that is causing the stroke and improves blood flow to the brain. The drug must be administered within 4 1/2 hours of the first symptoms.

The time also can affect whether endovascular neurosurgery is performed to remove clots, fix aneurysms or address other conditions. The earlier a patient can be evaluated for treatment whether medical, surgical, endovascular or a combination of these therapies, the better the outcome for the patient.

Don’t let them take a nap

Sleepiness can accompany a stroke, and the patient may be convinced that a nap will fix everything. Don’t allow this. If someone is having a stroke like symptoms, they need emergency medical care right away.

Aspirin can make a stroke worse

Most strokes are caused by a blood clot — an ischemic stroke — but about 20% are caused by a ruptured blood vessel or aneurysm — hemorrhagic stroke. If bleeding in the brain is the problem, aspirin could make the problem worse. Self-medicating prior to medical evaluation is not advisable.

Avoid any food or drink as well, since the stroke could compromise swallowing.[templatera id=”89477″]