A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, symptoms can include weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or balance problems.
Warning signs that may accompany leg weakness or numbness
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg (particularly on one side)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden confusion
- Vision loss or blurred vision
- Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination
- Severe, sudden headache with no obvious cause
These symptoms can also occur with a Transient ischemic attack, which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Even if symptoms go away, a TIA is a medical emergency because it can precede a major stroke.
Remember FAST
A simple way to recognize common stroke symptoms is FAST:
- Face: Does one side droop?
- Arms: Does one arm drift downward when raised?
- Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
- Time: Call emergency services immediately.
Not all leg numbness is a stroke
Leg weakness or numbness can also be caused by:
- A pinched nerve
- Sciatica
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Muscle or spinal problems
However, if the symptoms are sudden, unexplained, or accompanied by other neurological signs, they should be treated as a possible stroke until proven otherwise.
Seek emergency care immediately if:
- Weakness or numbness starts suddenly
- Symptoms affect one side of the body
- There is trouble speaking, seeing, walking, or understanding others
- Symptoms come and go
Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of permanent disability. If someone is experiencing these symptoms right now, call emergency services immediately rather than waiting to see if they improve.
