Here are 4 distinct signals the body may send about 15 minutes before a stroke:
1️⃣ Sudden Numbness or Weakness
-
Usually on one side of the body (arm, leg, or face)
-
May feel heavy, weak, or “pins and needles”
-
Often occurs suddenly and without warning
2️⃣ Sudden Confusion or Trouble Speaking
-
Slurred speech
-
Trouble finding words or understanding speech
-
Feeling mentally “foggy” or disoriented
3️⃣ Sudden Vision Changes
-
Blurred or double vision
-
Partial loss of vision in one or both eyes
-
Seeing dark spots or “curtain” over vision
4️⃣ Sudden Dizziness, Loss of Balance, or Severe Headache
-
Trouble walking, standing, or coordinating movements
-
Intense, unexplained headache (different from usual headaches)
-
Feeling faint or off-balance
🚨 What to Do
-
Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.)
-
Note the time symptoms began — critical for treatment
-
Even if symptoms improve quickly, seek medical attention (TIA can precede a stroke)
⚠️ Additional Early Indicators
-
Facial drooping
-
Weak grip on one side
-
Sudden nausea or vomiting (sometimes with brainstem strokes)
Key point: Strokes can escalate fast. Acting quickly can save brain tissue and reduce long-term disability.
If you want, I can also make a simple memory guide for spotting stroke signs in seconds — like the FAST method — which helps recognize strokes immediately.