Early Stroke Signs You Should Know

Many people think strokes happen suddenly, but “the body often gives warning signs—sometimes weeks in advance.” Recognizing these early symptoms can save lives and prevent serious damage.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

One major sign is “sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body—in the arm, leg, face, or hand.” It might feel like fatigue or a pinched nerve, but it could mean reduced blood flow to the brain. Vision changes such as “blurriness, double vision, or brief blindness in one or both eyes” are also warning signs that can come and go, making them easy to miss.

Other Important Warning Signs

Severe headaches that come with “nausea, neck stiffness, or light sensitivity” are concerning. You should also watch out for dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking. Feeling “off-balance or like the room is spinning shouldn’t be ignored.”

Mini-Strokes Are Serious Too

Mini-strokes, known as TIAs (transient ischemic attacks), cause brief stroke-like symptoms and often serve as a warning for a future stroke. Paying attention to these early signs is crucial for timely medical care.