7 Lacunar Stroke Warning Signs in People Over 60 That Everyone Overlooks
A lacunar stroke is a type of ischemic stroke caused by blockage of one of the small arteries deep inside the brain. Because these strokes can affect relatively small areas, their symptoms may sometimes appear less dramatic than those of a major stroke. That does not make them less urgent.
Age increases stroke risk, but stroke can occur at any age. Importantly, there is no reliable way to diagnose a lacunar stroke from symptoms alone; brain imaging and medical evaluation are often needed.
1. Sudden weakness in one hand or arm
Someone may suddenly notice that one hand feels weak, they are dropping objects, or they cannot grip normally. It can be tempting to blame this on arthritis or aging, but sudden one-sided weakness is a classic stroke warning sign.
2. A subtle change in walking
A person might suddenly become unsteady, have difficulty coordinating their movements, or feel as though one side of their body isn’t responding normally.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance should be treated as potential stroke symptoms—not simply dismissed as getting older.
3. Numbness on one side
Sudden numbness or altered sensation affecting the face, arm or leg—particularly on one side—can occur with stroke.
A person may describe it as their hand or face feeling “asleep,” unusually heavy, or different from the other side.
4. Clumsiness that appears suddenly
This is an easy symptom to overlook.
Someone who suddenly struggles to button clothing, use utensils, write, pick up a cup or perform another familiar task may be experiencing a neurological problem. New coordination difficulties should not automatically be attributed to age.
5. Slurred or unusual speech
A person may suddenly speak unclearly, have difficulty getting words out, or sound different even though they seem otherwise alert.
Sudden speech difficulty or trouble understanding language is an important stroke warning sign.
6. A sudden facial change
Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or feels numb, this can be a sign of stroke.
Facial drooping is part of the widely used B.E. F.A.S.T. stroke-recognition system.
7. Symptoms that disappear after a few minutes
This may be the most dangerous symptom to dismiss.
A brief episode of weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, vision problems or balance problems could represent a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although symptoms can disappear, a TIA requires urgent medical assessment because it can precede a major stroke.
