Over 60? 5 Stroke Warning Signs Your Brain May Send Before a StrokeA stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Recognizing warning signs quickly can make a major difference because fast treatment can reduce brain damage.
1. Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- A person may suddenly have trouble lifting an arm or feel one side is “different.”
2. Trouble speaking or understanding
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty finding words
- Confusion about what others are saying
3. Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Double vision
4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking
- Loss of coordination
- Feeling unusually unsteady
5. A sudden severe headache
- A sudden, intense headache—especially one unlike previous headaches—may be a warning sign, particularly if it comes with other symptoms.
Remember FAST:
- F — Face: Does one side of the face droop?
- A — Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
- S — Speech: Is speech difficult or unusual?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if these signs appear.
Other possible warning signs
Some people may experience:
- Sudden confusion
- Fainting or unusual drowsiness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Temporary symptoms that disappear (a possible transient ischemic attack, or “mini-stroke”)
A stroke can happen at any age, but risk often increases with age and conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart rhythm problems.
If stroke symptoms appear suddenly, do not wait to see if they improve—seek emergency medical help immediately.
