Headlines like “A month before a stroke, your body warns you” are misleading because they imply that strokes usually come with a predictable month-long warning period. Many strokes occur suddenly without any warning. However, some people experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—sometimes called a “mini-stroke”—hours, days, or occasionally weeks before a stroke. A TIA is a medical emergency.
Possible warning signs that should never be ignored include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking
- Slurred speech or trouble finding or understanding words.
- Vision changes
- Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking or coordinating movements.
- A sudden, severe headache
- Particularly if it’s unlike any previous headache.
- Confusion
- New difficulty understanding others or thinking clearly.
- Temporary episodes of these symptoms
- Even if they last only a few minutes and then disappear, they may be a TIA.
- Difficulty swallowing
- New swallowing problems can occur with some strokes.
- One-sided facial drooping
- A smile may appear uneven.
- Sudden weakness or clumsiness
- Difficulty using one hand or dragging one leg.
The easiest way to remember the most important signs is FAST:
- F – Face: One side droops.
- A – Arms: One arm is weak or numb.
- S – Speech: Speech is slurred or difficult.
- T – Time: Call your local emergency services immediately.
If any stroke symptoms appear—even if they go away—seek emergency medical care right away. Early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery. Waiting to see if symptoms return can delay lifesaving care.
