Myth: Urgent care isn't needed

Stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 at once if there are stroke symptoms, such as weakness, paralysis, double vision, vision loss, sudden difficulty speaking, unexplained dizziness, or loss of balance. Strokes can be treated with clot-busting drugs and surgical techniques, but it's essential that they be used as soon as possible - ideally within four-and-a-half hours, says Dr. Beuerlein.

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