The Most Dangerous Mistake You Can Make if You’re Having a Stroke

“The best advice I can give someone who thinks they might be having a stroke is to call 9-1-1,” says Carolyn Brockington, MD, Neurologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital. “The longer they wait, the more likely it is that the brain may be irreversibly damaged.”

When you're having a stroke, ambulances save you time in more ways than one. They get through traffic faster, get treatment for stroke started sooner, and can ensure doctors who specifically treat stroke are ready for your arrival to the hospital.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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