As a medical emergency, a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, causing potential brain damage and severe health consequences. Recognizing the early warning signs can be life-saving because immediate medical intervention can significantly improve the chances of recovery. According to studies, about 15 minutes before a stroke, the body may exhibit four clear warning signals. Knowing these symptoms can help you or a loved one seek emergency care in time.

1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness in the Face, Arm, or Leg

One common and alarming symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness, typically affecting one side of the body.

What to Watch For:

– Weakness in one arm, leg, or both.

– Drooping of one side of the face (check by asking the person to smile).

– Difficulty lifting an arm or leg without it drifting downward.

Why It Happens:

This occurs because of reduced blood flow to the part of the brain responsible for motor control.

2. Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Speaking

Those experiencing a stroke may suddenly struggle with speech or comprehension, even if they were speaking normally moments before.

What to Watch For:

– Slurred or garbled speech.

– Difficulty understanding simple instructions.

– Trouble forming coherent sentences.

How to Test:

Ask the patient to repeat a simple sentence like “The sky is blue.” If they struggle or their speech is unclear, seek medical help immediately.

3. Severe Headache with No Known Cause

A sudden, severe headache—especially if it appears out of nowhere—can be a strong sign of an impending stroke, particularly in hemorrhagic strokes (caused by bleeding in the brain).

What to Watch For:

– A headache that feels like the worst pain ever experienced.

– Accompanying dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.

– Sudden onset with no clear reason (e.g., no injury or migraine history).

4. Sudden Vision Problems or Dizziness

Many people who experience a stroke report blurred vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or dizziness before the event.

What to Watch For:

– Blurred or double vision.
– Temporary or permanent vision loss in one eye.
– Feeling dizzy or unable to walk straight.

Why It Happens:

A stroke can reduce the brain’s ability to process visual information, resulting in sudden and severe vision disturbances.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs?

If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, remember the FAST test:

F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?

S (Speech): Ask them to repeat a sentence. Is it slurred or strange?

T (Time): Call emergency services immediately if any symptoms appear.