Getting medical help at the first sign of a stroke can prevent people from dying or having lasting medical issues, neurologists told News 12.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke.

Most often, stokes occur when a clot or plaque blocks blood flow to the brain.

Dr. Paul Wright, of Nuvance Health's Neuroscience Institute, says there are telltale signs to watch out for – including if someone is off balanced or has blurred vision.

Other physical signs of a stroke are if a person's face is crooked or if their arms drift when lifted-up.

Garbled speech or miscommunication issues can also be signs of a stroke.

Dr. Wright says if a stroke involves a clot blocking blood flow, emergency treatment is needed within four and half hours of symptoms.

May is Stoke Awareness Month.