A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. Recognizing the warning signs quickly and getting emergency medical help can significantly improve outcomes.
10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
- Facial drooping
- One side of the face may droop or feel numb. The person’s smile may appear uneven.
- Arm weakness
- Difficulty lifting or holding up one arm; it may drift downward.
- Speech difficulties
- Slurred speech, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding others.
- Sudden confusion
- Problems thinking clearly, understanding conversations, or following instructions.
- Vision problems
- Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty walking
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Severe headache
- A sudden, intense headache with no known cause, especially if it occurs abruptly.
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing or an unusual choking sensation.
- Sudden fatigue or altered alertness
- Unexpected drowsiness, reduced responsiveness, or difficulty staying awake, particularly in older adults.
Remember the FAST Test
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side drooping?
A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke
- Call emergency medical services right away.
- Note the time symptoms began.
- Keep the person safe and comfortable.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication unless instructed by medical professionals.
- Even if symptoms go away quickly, seek emergency evaluation because it could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke.”
Prompt treatment can save brain tissue and reduce the risk of long-term disability. If you or someone nearby experiences any of these symptoms, treat it as an emergency and seek medical help immediately.
