What should be do prior to calling 911 if my sister has another stroke?
We believe my sister had a mini stroke. She started feeling very tired and slept almost all day and then the following day her mouth locked up and her tounge was hanging out of her mouth and my mother did take her to the emergency room where they treated her for dizziness and mouth clinching and sent her home. We are wanting to know what can we do at home before calling 911 if we think she is expierencing another one.
Expert Answer
The symptoms you describe above do not sound consistent with a stroke. Typically, a stroke would involve weakness or numbness on just one half of the body, often accompanied by visual changes or speech disturbance. If symptoms such as these last longer than 24 hours, and were caused by a stroke, you would expect to see signs of a stroke on an MRI scan.
That said, if you suspect your sister is ever having a stroke - sudden one sided weakness, numbness, visual trouble, speech trouble - you should always call 911 immediately. There is a medication called TPA that can help reverse a stroke, but only if given within a few hours of the stroke onset. In addition, the sooner it is given, the better. Therefore, please call 911 right away if you ever suspect a stroke.
Good luck, and all my best wishes!