The following are the most common stroke warning signs. Go to the ER immediately if experiencing any of the symptoms. A quick response can help reduce damage.
Symptoms may be sudden and include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding, confused
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Women may report unique stroke symptoms, including:
- Sudden face and limb pain
- Sudden hiccups
- Sudden nausea
- Sudden general weakness
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Sudden palpitations
Medical Conditions that Can Increase the Risk of Stroke
- Previous stroke or "mini-stroke", also known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA
- High blood pressure (hypertension is one of the leading risks for heart disease and stroke)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation (a-fib)
What to Do if You Suspect Someone is Having a Stroke
Perform these simple checks in order.
Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
Eyes: Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
Face: Does the person's face look uneven?
Arm: Is one arm hanging down?
Speech: Is the person's speech slurred? Do they have trouble speaking or seem confused?
Time: Call 9-1-1 now!