A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Recognizing symptoms quickly is critical because early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Facial drooping
- One side of the face may sag or feel numb. A person’s smile may appear uneven.
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty raising one or both arms or keeping them elevated.
- Speech difficulties
- Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding others.
- Sudden confusion
- Problems with thinking clearly, following conversations, or comprehending language.
- Vision problems
- Blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache
- An intense headache with no obvious cause, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms.
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking, coordination problems, or unexplained falls.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden trouble swallowing or choking when eating or drinking.
- Sudden fatigue or altered alertness
- Unexpected drowsiness, decreased responsiveness, or loss of consciousness.
Remember FAST
A simple way to recognize common stroke symptoms is the FAST acronym:
- Face: Does one side droop?
- Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
- Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
- Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these signs appear.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Treat a suspected stroke as a medical emergency. Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, seek immediate medical attention, as this may indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” which can be a warning sign of a future stroke.
If someone develops any of these symptoms suddenly, contact emergency services right away and note the time the symptoms began, as treatment options can depend on how long the symptoms have been present.
