8 Warning Signs of Stroke to Know — and 9 Ways to Reduce Your Risk
Headlines claiming that a stroke can always be predicted one month before it happens are misleading. Many strokes occur suddenly, and there is no guaranteed set of warning signs that appears weeks in advance. However, some early symptoms or health changes should never be ignored, because they may signal a higher risk or a warning event such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or “mini-stroke”).
Possible warning signs that need medical attention
1. Sudden weakness or numbness
Especially on one side of the body:
- Face
- Arm
- Leg
2. Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred words
- Difficulty finding words
- Confusion
3. Sudden vision changes
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Blurred or double vision
4. Sudden severe headache
A sudden, intense headache unlike usual headaches can be a warning sign, especially if it comes with other symptoms.
5. Dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking
- Loss of coordination
- Unexplained falls
6. Facial drooping
One side of the face may feel weak or appear uneven.
7. Trouble swallowing
Difficulty swallowing can occur with some neurological problems.
8. Brief symptoms that go away
Even if symptoms disappear after minutes, they may be a TIA and require urgent medical evaluation.
Remember FAST
- F — Face: Is one side drooping?
- A — Arms: Can both arms be raised normally?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or difficult?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if these occur.
9 ways to help reduce stroke risk
- Control blood pressure
- High blood pressure is one of the strongest stroke risk factors.
- Manage cholesterol
- Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on diet, lifestyle, and medications if prescribed.
- Do not smoke
- Smoking significantly increases stroke risk.
- Stay physically active
- Regular walking and exercise support heart and blood vessel health.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Even modest weight changes can improve cardiovascular risk factors.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit excess salt and highly processed foods.
- Manage diabetes
- Keep blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.
- Limit alcohol
- Excess alcohol can increase stroke risk.
- Treat heart conditions
- Conditions such as atrial fibrillation can raise the risk of blood clots and stroke.
