A Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. It is a medical emergency where every minute matters, because brain cells begin to die quickly.
Here are 10 early warning signs everyone should know:
1. Sudden weakness or numbness (especially on one side)
Face, arm, or leg weakness on one side of the body is one of the most common signs.
2. Drooping face
One side of the face may look uneven or sag when smiling.
3. Trouble speaking or slurred speech
Speech may become unclear, confused, or the person may not be able to speak at all.
4. Difficulty understanding speech
The person may hear you but not understand simple sentences.
5. Sudden vision problems
Blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
6. Severe sudden headache
A very intense headache with no clear cause, sometimes described as “the worst headache ever.”
7. Loss of balance or coordination
Trouble walking, dizziness, or sudden clumsiness.
8. Sudden confusion
Difficulty thinking clearly or responding normally.
9. Numbness or tingling
Especially in the face, arm, or leg—often on one side only.
10. Sudden difficulty walking
Dragging one leg, stumbling, or inability to maintain balance.
FAST test (quick check)
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile → is one side drooping?
- A – Arms: Can they raise both arms evenly?
- S – Speech: Is speech slurred or strange
