A stroke can strike suddenly, but in many cases, your body gives warning signs days or even a week before the event.
Recognizing these symptoms early can save lives and prevent permanent damage.
Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke).
Here are 10 warning signs to watch for that may signal an impending stroke.
1. Sudden Weakness in Limbs
Experiencing unexpected weakness or numbness in your arms, legs, or face, particularly on one side of the body, could be an early sign of a stroke.
What to Do: If this happens, seek medical attention immediately, even if the weakness subsides.
2. Frequent Dizziness or Loss of Balance
Persistent dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of coordination may indicate reduced blood flow to the brain.
What to Do: Don’t ignore these symptoms, especially if they’re accompanied by other warning signs.
3. Slurred Speech or Difficulty Speaking
Sudden difficulty forming words, slurred speech, or trouble understanding others can occur as your brain struggles to function properly.
What to Do: If this happens, note the time the symptoms start and seek medical help right away.
4. Blurred or Loss of Vision
Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision or temporary blindness in one eye, may appear in the days leading up to a stroke.
What to Do: Get an eye exam and consult a doctor if you notice these changes.
5. Severe Headaches with No Known Cause
A sudden, intense headache that feels different from typical headaches could signal a hemorrhagic stroke.
What to Do: Treat it as a medical emergency if accompanied by nausea, confusion, or vision problems.
6. Sudden Fatigue or Confusion
Feeling unusually tired, confused, or mentally foggy without any clear explanation can be a precursor to a stroke.
What to Do: Monitor your cognitive state and seek help if this symptom persists or worsens.
7. Tingling or Numbness
Unexplained tingling or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, is a red flag for reduced blood flow to the brain.
What to Do: Don’t dismiss this as “just a pinched nerve” if it’s recurring or severe.
8. Difficulty Swallowing
Trouble swallowing (dysphagia) could indicate a problem in the brainstem, which controls basic functions like swallowing and breathing.
What to Do: Consult a doctor to rule out serious causes.
9. Sudden Mood Changes
Unexplained shifts in mood, such as sudden irritability, depression, or anxiety, can be an overlooked warning sign of a stroke.
What to Do: Pay attention to significant changes in emotional well-being, especially if they are out of character.
10. Brief Loss of Consciousness or Fainting
Episodes of fainting or blacking out, even for a short time, could signal a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke.”
What to Do: Treat these episodes as an emergency and get evaluated promptly.
How to Act FAST
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the FAST acronym:
- Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
- Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred?
- Time: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
Spotting these warning signs early can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability.
If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay – seek medical attention right away.
Your awareness could save a life. Share this article with your friends and family to spread the knowledge and help others recognize the warning signs of a stroke before it’s too late!