Stroke Warning Signs & Symptoms

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts. Without blood and the oxygen it carries, part of the brain starts to die. The part of the body controlled by the damaged area of the brain can’t work properly.

Brain damage can begin within minutes. That’s why it’s so important to know the symptoms of stroke and to act fast. Quick treatment can help limit damage to the brain and increase the chance of a full recovery.

Stroke Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke happen quickly. A stroke may cause:

  • Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of movement in your face, arm or leg, especially on only one side of your body
  • Sudden vision changes
  • Sudden trouble speaking
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements
  • Sudden problems with walking or balance
  • A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches

Signs of a Stroke

Every minute counts if someone is having a stroke. A stroke can affect:

  • Ability to move parts of the body
  • Ability to think
  • Behavior
  • Speech
  • Vision

graphic of stroke symptom identification

Call 911

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

PIH Health is specially trained and equipped to provide care and treatment to help prevent further damage and complications. Learn more about what makes us a Stroke Receiving Center.

It’s important to see your doctor if you have symptoms that seem like a stroke, even if they go away quickly. You may have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. A TIA is a warning that a stroke may happen soon. Getting early treatment for a TIA can help prevent a stroke.