A stroke can happen suddenly, sometimes without any obvious warning. One moment, a person may feel completely normal; the next, they may struggle to speak, experience weakness on one side of the body, or suddenly lose their balance.
But in some cases, a person experiences temporary symptoms before a more serious event. These symptoms may indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, which can signal an increased risk of a subsequent stroke.
Recognizing stroke symptoms early and getting emergency medical attention can save lives and reduce the risk of lasting disability.
It is important to understand that not everyone experiences warning symptoms before a stroke. The signs discussed below are reasons to seek medical attention, not a reliable way to predict when a stroke will happen.
In this article, we explore eight important warning signs, nine practical ways to reduce stroke risk, and what to do if you or someone around you develops symptoms.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures.
Brain cells depend on a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients. When that supply is disrupted, cells can become damaged within minutes.
There are two main types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke: Occurs when a blood clot or another blockage prevents blood from reaching part of the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily disrupted. Its symptoms can resemble those of a stroke but may resolve quickly.
A TIA is still a medical emergency. It is not possible to determine at home whether symptoms are caused by a TIA or a more serious stroke.
8 Warning Signs of Stroke You Should Never Ignore
The following symptoms can develop during a stroke or TIA. They may occur individually or together, and they do not necessarily appear days or weeks in advance.
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness on One Side of the Body
Sudden weakness or numbness affecting one side of the face, arm, or leg is one of the best-known warning signs of a stroke.
You might notice that one arm feels unusually heavy, one leg becomes difficult to move, or one side of the face suddenly feels numb.
A person may struggle to hold an object, lift an arm, or walk normally.
These symptoms are especially concerning when they develop suddenly and have no obvious explanation.
What to do: Call emergency services immediately if you or someone else develops sudden, unexplained one-sided weakness or numbness.
2. Facial Drooping or an Uneven Smile
A stroke can interfere with the nerves controlling facial movement.
One side of the face may suddenly droop, the mouth may appear uneven, or the person may have difficulty smiling normally.
If someone suddenly develops facial weakness, it should not be dismissed as tiredness or a minor inconvenience.
Facial drooping is part of the widely used B.E. F.A.S.T. stroke recognition method.
Remember: you do not need to observe multiple symptoms before seeking emergency help.
3. Sudden Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
Stroke can affect the brain regions responsible for language.
A person may suddenly slur their words, struggle to form sentences, use incorrect words, or find it difficult to understand what others are saying.
Family members may notice that the person's speech sounds unusual or that they cannot follow a