It’s important to say this clearly first:
For most people, a stroke does not give a clear 30-day warning countdown.
However, many people experience warning signs days or weeks before — especially something called a mini-stroke.
A mini-stroke is medically known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). It’s a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain and is a major red flag for a future stroke.
Here are 10 warning signs you should never ignore:
🚨 1. Sudden Weakness on One Side
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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One leg feeling heavy or numb
Even if it goes away in minutes — it matters.
🗣 2. Slurred or Confused Speech
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Trouble finding words
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Speech sounds garbled
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Difficulty understanding others
👁 3. Sudden Vision Changes
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Blurred vision
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Double vision
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Temporary loss of sight in one eye
😵 4. Unexplained Dizziness
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Loss of balance
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Trouble walking straight
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Sudden coordination problems
💥 5. Severe, Sudden Headache
Especially if it’s:
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The worst headache of your life
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Very different from usual headaches
🧠 6. Brief Episodes That “Go Away”
Symptoms lasting:
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1–10 minutes
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Up to an hour
These are classic TIA patterns and often ignored.
💤 7. Sudden Confusion
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Not knowing where you are
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Trouble following simple instructions
❤️ 8. Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations
Conditions like Atrial Fibrillation significantly increase stroke risk because clots can form in the heart and travel to the brain.
🩸 9. High Blood Pressure Spikes
Uncontrolled hypertension is the #1 stroke risk factor.
🦵 10. Numbness or Tingling (One Side)
Especially if sudden and not explained by posture or nerve compression.
🧪 Who Is at Higher Risk?
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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Heart disease
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Age over 55
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Family history
⚠️ Call Emergency Services Immediately If You Notice:
Use the FAST test:
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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Speech difficulty
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Time to call emergency services
Even if symptoms disappear.
Important Reality
About 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will have a full stroke — often within weeks — if untreated.
Early treatment can dramatically reduce risk.
If you’d like, I can also explain:
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The difference between a clot stroke and a bleed stroke
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Silent strokes
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How to reduce your stroke risk starting today