There is an important correction to that headline: there isn’t a reliable set of 10 symptoms that predicts a stroke one month in advance. A stroke can occur suddenly, and some people have no warning beforehand.
What can happen is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Its symptoms can be identical to a stroke but usually resolve within minutes or hours. A TIA is a medical emergency because it can be a warning that a major stroke may follow.
Symptoms you should never ignore
Remember FAST:
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F — Face: sudden drooping or numbness, especially on one side.
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A — Arms: sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or one side of the body.
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S — Speech: sudden slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
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T — Time: call your local emergency service immediately. Don’t wait to see whether it goes away.
Other sudden symptoms can include:
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Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden severe dizziness or loss of balance/coordination
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Sudden difficulty walking
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Sudden numbness or weakness on one side
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Sudden confusion
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A sudden, unusually severe headache, particularly with other neurological symptoms
Even if the symptoms disappear, don’t ignore them. A possible TIA needs urgent medical assessment.
If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms right now, don’t try to treat it naturally or wait for an appointment—seek emergency medical care immediately.
