Q. What are the common warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, and how can they be recognized early?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke early can make a critical difference in treatment and recovery. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness: If you or someone else experiences sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg), it could be a sign of a stroke. This might feel like a loss of control over a part of your body.
2. Confusion or Trouble Speaking: Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding what others are saying can be an indication of a stroke. This may happen suddenly and without warning.
3. Vision Problems: A stroke can cause sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. This could include blurred vision, double vision, or a complete loss of vision in one eye.
4. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance: If you suddenly feel dizzy, lose your balance, or have trouble walking, this could be another warning sign. It may feel like the room is spinning or that you're unable to steady yourself.
5. Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst headache of your life, can be a sign of a stroke, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting or dizziness.
Recognizing a Stroke: F.A.S.T.
The F.A.S.T. acronym is a helpful way to remember the most common signs of a stroke and what to do:
- Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile.
- Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
- Time to call emergency services: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call emergency services immediately. Every minute counts in treating a stroke.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, don’t wait—get medical help right away. Quick action can save lives and improve recovery outcomes.