4 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke You Shouldn’t Ignore
A stroke is a medical emergency in which blood flow to the brain is disturbed, potentially causing brain damage and serious health effects. Recognizing early warning symptoms can be life-saving since prompt medical attention can dramatically improve the chances of recovery.
According to studies, the body may emit 4 clear warning signals approximately 15 minutes before a stroke. Knowing these symptoms will allow you or a loved one to seek emergency care on time.
1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness in the Face, Arm, or Leg
One of the most common and concerning signs of a stroke is abrupt weakness or numbness, which usually affects one side of the body.
What to Watch For:
Weakness in one arm, leg, or both.
Drooping on one side of the face (check by asking the person to grin).
Difficulty raising an arm or leg without it falling downward.
Why It Happens:
This is due to a decrease in blood supply to the portion of the brain responsible for motor control.
2. Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Speaking
A person suffering from a stroke may experience unexpected difficulties with speech or comprehension, even if they were speaking normally moments before.
What to Watch For:
Slurred or garbled speech.
Difficulty understanding basic instructions.
Having trouble forming coherent sentences.
How To Test:
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The sky is blue.” If they struggle or their speech is confused, get medical attention right once.
3. Severe Headache with No Known Cause
A sudden, intense headache, especially if it emerges out of nowhere, might be a warning sign of an imminent stroke, especially in hemorrhagic strokes (caused by brain bleeding).
What to Watch For:
A headache that is the most excruciating pain you have ever felt.
Accompanying symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Sudden onset with no apparent cause (e.g., no prior injury or migraine history).
4. Sudden Vision Problems or Dizziness
Many persons who have a stroke report blurred vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or dizziness before the incident.
What to Watch For:
Blurred or double vision.
One-eye visual loss can be temporary or permanent.
Feeling dizzy or unable to walk straight?
Why It Happens:
A stroke can affect the brain’s ability to process visual information, resulting in unexpected and severe vision abnormalities.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs?
If you or someone you know has any of the following symptoms, remember the FAST test:
F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
A (Arms): Ask the person to lift both arms. Does one drift downward?
S (Speech): Have them repeat a statement. Is it slurred or strange?
T (Time): Contact emergency services right away if any symptoms occur.
Conclusion
A stroke can occur unexpectedly, but identifying these 4 early warning symptoms may save a life. Seeking immediate medical attention within the first golden hour can drastically lessen brain damage and enhance recovery chances. If you observe any of these signs, do not hesitate to contact emergency services immediately and act FAST.
