A month before a stroke, your body warns you: 10 signs not to ignore

Here’s a detailed, careful breakdown of 10 warning signs your body might show about a potential stroke up to a month in advance. These are often subtle and easily overlooked, but recognizing them early can save lives.

10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke

1. Frequent Headaches
   Sudden, severe, or unusual headaches—different from your normal pattern—can signal problems with blood flow to the brain.

2. Dizziness or Loss of Balance
   Feeling off-balance, unsteady, or suddenly prone to falls may indicate reduced blood supply to certain brain areas.

3. Numbness or Weakness on One Side
   Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side—is a key early warning.

4. Vision Changes
   Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one eye can indicate a stroke in progress or an impending one.

5. Speech Difficulties
   Slurred speech, trouble finding words, or sudden confusion may occur gradually before a major stroke.

6. Facial Drooping
   One side of the face may look drooped when smiling; early signs can be subtle.

7. Sudden Fatigue or Weakness
   Feeling unusually tired or weak without explanation—especially in one arm or leg—can be an early symptom.

8. Cognitive Changes
   Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or sudden confusion may appear weeks before a stroke.

9. Trouble Swallowing
   Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or frequent choking can be an early neurological warning.

10. Mood or Personality Changes
    Unexplained irritability, depression, or anxiety may sometimes precede a stroke, reflecting subtle brain changes.

Important Notes

• These symptoms may come and go in the weeks leading up to a stroke, which can make them easy to dismiss.

• Act fast: If you notice sudden onset of facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, call emergency services immediately. Remember the acronym FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

If you want, I can also create a “checklist you can monitor daily” version that makes it easier to spot early stroke signs before it’s too late. This is really practical for anyone at higher risk.