It’s true that the body can give warning signs before a stroke — sometimes days or even weeks in advance. In many cases, these warnings are actually mini-strokes, known medically as a TIA (transient ischemic attack), which should be treated as a medical emergency.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Acting fast can save brain tissue — and lives.
Here are 10 warning signs you should never ignore:
1️⃣ Sudden Numbness or Weakness (Especially One Side)
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Face drooping
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Arm or leg weakness
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One side of the body feels heavy or numb
This is one of the most classic stroke signs.
2️⃣ Sudden Confusion
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Trouble understanding speech
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Difficulty speaking clearly
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Words come out slurred
3️⃣ Severe Headache with No Known Cause
A sudden, intense headache (often described as “the worst headache of my life”) may signal a bleeding stroke.
4️⃣ Vision Problems
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Blurred vision
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Double vision
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Loss of vision in one or both eyes
5️⃣ Dizziness or Loss of Balance
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Trouble walking
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Loss of coordination
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Sudden falls
6️⃣ Temporary Stroke Symptoms (TIA)
Symptoms that last a few minutes and then disappear are especially dangerous — they are a major warning sign of a future stroke.
7️⃣ Difficulty Swallowing
Sudden trouble swallowing can occur if areas of the brain controlling muscles are affected.
8️⃣ Sudden Fatigue or Weakness
Unusual, unexplained extreme fatigue — especially combined with other symptoms — can be an early warning.
9️⃣ Facial Drooping
One side of the face may:
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Feel numb
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Droop when smiling
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Look uneven
🔟 Sudden Behavioral or Mental Changes
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Personality shifts
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Sudden irritability
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Trouble concentrating
🚨 Remember FAST
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 immediately
If any of these appear — even briefly — seek emergency medical help right away.
⚠️ Important Reality
Not all strokes give a month’s warning.
Some happen suddenly without prior signs.
Risk factors include:
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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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Obesity
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Sedentary lifestyle
Managing these can dramatically reduce risk.
If you’d like, I can also share:
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Early subtle symptoms that are often missed
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Differences between stroke and heart attack
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How to lower your stroke risk naturally