Some people experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)—often called “mini-strokes”—before a stroke. A TIA can occur days or weeks beforehand and is a medical emergency because it signals a much higher short-term risk of a full stroke. However, there is no validated list of eight warning signs that reliably appear one month before every stroke.
Possible warning signs (often due to a TIA)
Symptoms are typically sudden, last minutes to hours (usually less than 24 hours), and resolve completely. They may include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side.
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking.
- Sudden confusion.
- Sudden severe headache with no obvious cause (more common with bleeding strokes).
Even if these symptoms disappear, seek emergency medical evaluation immediately. A TIA is a warning sign that should never be ignored.
9 evidence-based ways to help prevent stroke
- Control high blood pressure, which is the single biggest modifiable risk factor.
- Take prescribed medications as directed, including medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol (such as statins), or blood thinners if indicated.
- Don’t smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke when possible.
- Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week if your healthcare professional says it’s appropriate.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and limiting excess salt, saturated fat, and added sugars.
- Manage diabetes by keeping blood sugar under good control.
- Maintain a healthy weight, if advised by your healthcare professional.
- Limit alcohol and avoid illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, which can increase stroke risk.
- Treat conditions that raise stroke risk, especially atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol, with appropriate medical care.
Remember FAST
If someone develops these symptoms suddenly:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services immediately
Prompt treatment can greatly improve outcomes.
If you’re asking because you or someone else is having sudden symptoms now, don’t wait to see if they improve—contact your local emergency services right away.
