10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells can be damaged quickly, so recognizing symptoms and getting emergency help fast is critical.
A helpful reminder is BE FAST:
- B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or trouble walking
- E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes, blurred vision, or loss of vision
- F — Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb
- A — Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm (or one side of the body)
- S — Speech: Slurred speech, confusion, or trouble understanding words
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately
Other possible warning signs:
1. Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- It may come on suddenly and without warning.
2. Sudden confusion
- Difficulty understanding conversations, following instructions, or thinking clearly.
3. Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Words may sound unusual, or the person may be unable to express themselves.
4. Sudden vision problems
- Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
5. Sudden severe headache
- A sudden, intense headache unlike previous headaches—especially with nausea, vomiting, or neurological symptoms—can be a warning sign.
6. Dizziness or loss of coordination
- Trouble walking, poor balance, or feeling like the room is spinning.
7. Difficulty swallowing
- Some strokes can affect the muscles involved in swallowing.
8. Sudden trouble with movement
- Difficulty lifting an arm, gripping objects, or controlling one side of the body.
9. Facial drooping
- Ask the person to smile. If one side does not move normally, treat it as a warning sign.
10. Symptoms that disappear after a few minutes
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” can cause temporary symptoms but still requires urgent medical evaluation because it can be a warning of a future stroke.
