What are the Signs of a Stroke? A stroke is an emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain stops. It can be caused by a narrowed blood vessel, bleeding, or a clot that blocks blood flow. Symptoms can happen suddenly. If someone is showing any signs of a stroke, call 000 immediately.
What are the Signs of a Stroke? If you or someone you are with shows signs of a stroke, pay particular attention and note the time the symptoms began. Some treatment options are most effective when given soon after a stroke starts.
Signs and symptoms of stroke include:
- You may have trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying, such as confusion, slurring your words, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. This often affects just one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Also, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.
- Difficulty seeing through one or both eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes or see double.
- Headache. A sudden, severe headache, accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate that you’re having a stroke.
- Trouble walking. You may stumble or lose your balance. You may also have sudden dizziness or a loss of coordination.
Call 000 or your local emergency number right away. Don’t wait to see if symptoms stop. Every minute counts. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the potential for brain damage and disability.
If you’re with someone you suspect has a stroke, observe the person while waiting for emergency assistance.
