Stroke symptoms

The loss of blood flow to the brain damages tissues within the brain. Symptoms of a stroke show up in the body parts controlled by the damaged areas of the brain.

The sooner a person having a stroke gets care, the better their outcome is likely to be. For this reason, it’s helpful to know the signs of a stroke so you can act quickly. Stroke symptoms can include:

• paralysis
• numbness or weakness in the arm, face, and leg, especially on one side of the body
• trouble speaking or understanding others
• slurred speech
• confusion, disorientation, or lack of responsiveness
• sudden behavioral changes, especially increased agitation
• vision problems, such as trouble seeing in one or both eyes with vision blackened or blurred, or double vision
• trouble walking
• loss of balance or coordination
• dizziness
• severe, sudden headache with an unknown cause
• seizures
• nausea or vomiting

A stroke requires immediate medical attention. If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 or local emergency services right away. Prompt treatment is key to preventing the following outcomes:

• brain damage
• long-term disability
• death

It’s better to be overly cautious when dealing with a stroke, so don’t be afraid to get emergency medical help if you think you recognize the signs of a stroke.