10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke can happen suddenly, and getting treatment quickly can save brain function and lives. The symptoms may vary depending on which part of the brain is affected.
- Face drooping — one side of the face may suddenly become numb or droop.
- Arm weakness or numbness — especially sudden weakness affecting one side.
- Speech difficulty — slurred speech, trouble finding words, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden vision changes — blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache — particularly a sudden headache with no obvious cause.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance — difficulty walking or coordinating movements.
- Sudden confusion — trouble understanding, thinking, or responding normally.
- Sudden numbness — especially affecting the face, arm, or leg on one side.
- Sudden difficulty swallowing — choking or inability to swallow normally.
- Sudden loss of coordination — unexplained stumbling or inability to control an arm or leg.
🚨 Remember FAST
F — Face: Ask the person to smile.
A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms.
S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
T — Time: If any sign is present, call emergency medical services immediately.
Don’t wait to see whether symptoms improve. Even if they disappear after a few minutes, they could be a TIA (transient ischemic attack) and require urgent evaluation.
If possible, note the exact time the symptoms began and tell emergency responders.
