8 warning signs you should never ignore
1. Sudden facial drooping
One side of the face may droop, or a smile may look uneven. Ask the person to smile and check whether both sides move equally.
2. Weakness or numbness on one side
Sudden weakness or loss of feeling in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, can indicate a stroke or TIA.
3. Trouble speaking or understanding speech
Speech may become slurred, words may come out incorrectly, or the person may struggle to understand simple sentences.
4. Sudden vision changes
Blurred or double vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or a sudden dark area in the visual field may be a warning sign.
5. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Unexpected difficulty walking, severe imbalance, or loss of coordination can occur with a stroke, particularly when accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
6. A sudden, unusually severe headache
A headache that reaches maximum intensity very quickly, especially a first or worst-ever headache, can indicate bleeding in or around the brain.
7. Sudden confusion
New difficulty understanding others, thinking clearly, recognizing familiar things, or following simple instructions may signal a neurological emergency.
8. Sudden difficulty walking or coordinating movements
Unexpected stumbling, inability to stand steadily, or trouble controlling movements—particularly with double vision, dizziness, or slurred speech—requires urgent assessment.
