A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Recognizing warning signs quickly can help reduce the risk of serious disability.
10 early warning signs of a stroke
1. Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- A person may suddenly have trouble lifting one arm.
2. Facial drooping
- One side of the face may feel weak or appear uneven when smiling.
3. Trouble speaking
- Speech may become slurred, unclear, or difficult to understand.
- The person may struggle to find the right words.
4. Confusion or difficulty understanding
- Sudden confusion, trouble following a conversation, or difficulty processing information.
5. Sudden vision problems
- Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
6. Dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden trouble walking, poor coordination, or feeling unusually unsteady.
7. Severe, sudden headache
- A sudden “worst headache” that is unusual, especially with other symptoms, can be a warning sign.
8. Trouble swallowing
- New difficulty swallowing or controlling saliva may occur with some strokes.
9. Sudden difficulty moving
- Problems with coordination, reaching, or controlling movements.
10. Symptoms that come and go
- Temporary symptoms may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke.
- Even if symptoms disappear, urgent medical evaluation is important.
Remember FAST:
- F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or slurred?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately.
Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Quick treatment can make a major difference. If someone suddenly develops stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical help right away.
