JACKSONVILLE, FL-- "I was driving, and I just started feeling, real dizzy and lightheaded."
"I couldn't get it together. I was very undone that morning."
They are young, healthy and had no idea they were having a stroke.
"I thought I could possibly be getting a cold. I just remember wanting to go back to bed."
Jennifer Shepard's friends finally called for help when they saw her face drooping, more than 2 hours after the symptoms started.
"I wasn't at risk. I didn't have any of the red flags."
In a recent study of more than 15,000 people, only 23% arrived at the hospital within 2 hours of stroke symptoms. Mayo Clinic neurologist, Kevin Barrett says, even if driving yourself to the ER seems faster, it's not.
"If you're taken by an ambulance, you'll be seen by a doctor faster, and that's the key."
In another survey, fewer than 2 in 5 people knew the warning signs. What's your stroke IQ? Pick out the stroke symptoms. Vision loss and severe headache are the two warning signs in this list. Others include: balance problems, loss of feeling on one side of the body and trouble speaking. Doctors say it can be a subtle change.
"There was no slurred speech, no other signs other than I couldn't see very well."
Mia Burkhard is a radiology technician, who works with stroke patients. Even she didn't pick up on her own symptoms until hours after she drove herself to work.
"It can happen to anybody."
Mia and Jennifer both missed the standard 3 hour window for treatment, but they're recovering after months of therapy.
For more information, contact:
Cindy Nelson, Public Affairs
The Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, FL
Nelson.cynthia1@mayo.edu(904) 953-0464
