Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs: A Guide to Quick Action

A stroke can descend like a bolt out of the blue---a frightening prospect. However, knowing the warning signs of a stroke can help you protect yourself and your loved ones. The sooner a stroke is treated, the better the chances of recovery are.

Talking

• Slurred words or forgetting your words may be signs of a stroke.

Paralysis

• If you feel weak or numb in your arms, legs or face, that can be a stroke warning sign, especially if the weakness is on one side of the body.

Seeing

• Trouble seeing out of one eye---blurry or double vision--is a sign of an impending stroke.

Coordination

• Feeling dizzy or off-balance and having trouble walking are stroke warning signs.

Headache

• One warning sign of an impending stroke is a severe headache. You may also have neck or facial pain or vomiting.

Transient Ischemic Attack

• A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a temporary stroke---the blood flow to your brain is cut off for just a short while. Symptoms appear for up to 24 hours, and then go away, without any noticeable permanent effect. A TIA can put you at risk of a stroke.