Signs and Symptoms

Stroke Signs and SymptomsStrokes typically start suddenly and the symptoms can be distinct and vary between each person. Sometimes stroke symptoms can be hard to recognize, so it is critical that you know the signs and symptoms to act quick.

Different parts of the brain control certain body parts, so to fully know what damage has been caused you will need to know what part of the brain was affected. The first warning signs of a stroke are usually one side of the body to go weak (leg, arm or face). From then on it is vital to look for other signs which include:

  • The leg, arm or face to become lifeless and numb on one side of the body
  • Finding it hard to understand speech with difficulty talking and are confused
  • Struggling to see out of one or both eyes
  • Having trouble with balance and coordination, walking and become dizzy
  • A sudden headache without a cause
  • Not being able or having trouble swallowing
  • The person having a total blackout

Emergency Treatment

If these symptoms last for 10 minutes or more or appear to get worse it is urgent to act fast and ask for immediate medical care. Knowing and responding to the signs of a stroke as soon as possible, give the person a better chance of recovery. People don’t tend to get help until a few days after their symptoms first appear which by this time it is usually ineffective for new treatments.

If the symptoms go away and you think it has passed, you should still go to a hospital for an assessment. After the assessment, you may need further in-depth analysis before treatment can begin. If the symptoms do disappear it may mean you have had a TIA (transient ischemic attack), which could lead to having a major stroke in the future.

It’s very important to know these symptoms, especially if you care for or live an elderly person or people with signs of high blood pressure or diabetes.