Interesting on the aspirin. Im an EMT and we are taught not to give aspirin if we suspect a stroke because it can make the bleed worse?
Different kinds of strokes; hemorrhagic and ischemic. Obviously, a hemorrhagic stroke is a bleed - a brain bleed - and aspirin being an anti-platelet, would thin the blood and make it flow much easier making the stroke worse. Ischemic stroke is a clot (platelets are sticky) and aspirin can reduce the chance of getting a second. Getting to the ER quickly so they can do a CT is so very important.
To further complicate matters, there are good clots and bad clots.
Thrombolytics are used (think Drano for the artery) in the ER to help clear an ischemic stroke. They have about a 3 hr window.
This should drive home Dave's point that time and quick action is paramount. Get to an ER as soon as possible. That first Golden Hour is everything.
