10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Fast recognition and treatment can save brain function and reduce long-term disability.
1. Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- A person may suddenly be unable to lift one arm normally.
2. Facial drooping
- One side of the face may feel numb or appear to droop.
- Ask the person to smile—an uneven smile can be a warning sign.
3. Trouble speaking
- Speech may become slurred, confused, or difficult to understand.
- The person may have trouble finding or forming words.
4. Sudden confusion
- Difficulty understanding what others are saying or feeling suddenly disoriented.
5. Vision problems
- Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
6. Trouble walking or loss of balance
- Sudden dizziness, poor coordination, or difficulty standing or walking.
7. A sudden severe headache
- A very intense headache that appears suddenly, especially if it is unlike previous headaches, can be a warning sign.
8. Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Sudden vertigo or feeling as if the surroundings are moving.
9. Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden problems swallowing or controlling saliva can occur with some strokes.
10. A brief episode of stroke-like symptoms (TIA)
- Symptoms that disappear after minutes or hours may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke.”
- A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may follow and needs urgent medical evaluation.
Remember FAST:
- F — Face: Is one side drooping?
- A — Arms: Can both arms be raised equally?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or unclear?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if any sign appears.
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Even if symptoms go away, urgent medical assessment is important because early treatment can help prevent a larger stroke.
