10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms typically appear suddenly, and getting treatment quickly can reduce the risk of permanent brain injury and disability. The American Stroke Association recommends remembering B.E. F.A.S.T.
- Sudden loss of balance — Unexpected dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination can be a warning sign.
- Sudden vision changes — Blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, can occur.
- Face drooping or numbness — One side of the face may suddenly droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile and look for an uneven smile.
- Weakness or numbness in an arm — Especially when it affects one side of the body. Ask the person to raise both arms; one may drift downward.
- Speech difficulties — Speech may suddenly become slurred, confused, or difficult to understand. The person may also have trouble understanding what others are saying.
- Sudden confusion — A person may suddenly struggle to understand conversations, follow instructions, or communicate normally.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in a leg — Particularly when it occurs on one side along with other neurological symptoms.
- Sudden severe headache — A severe headache with no known cause can be a stroke warning sign, particularly when it appears abruptly.
- Sudden difficulty walking — Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination may occur, particularly with posterior-circulation strokes.
- Symptoms that disappear — Don’t assume you’re safe because symptoms resolve after a few minutes. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) can produce stroke-like symptoms that disappear, but it still requires urgent medical evaluation.
