A stroke happens when the brain receives an inadequate amount of blood flow, usually due to a blocked or burst blood vessel. The signs of a stroke depend on the location in the brain where the damage occurred; but a stroke develops suddenly, without warning. Obtaining immediate medical treatment at the first sign of a stroke can save lives and reduce disabilities.
Headache
A sudden, severe headache of unknown origin, or an unusual headache accompanied by other signs, indicates a stroke, reports the Mayo Clinic. The headache occurs when lying down and the pain increases in intensity during position changes. Other signs that often accompany the headache include a stiff neck, facial pain (between the eyes), vomiting and altered consciousness.
Body Numbness
Individuals experiencing a stroke display a sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, usually in the arm, leg or face, reports Medline Plus. A stroke causes alterations in sensations that affect how touch, pain, pressure, temperature and other stimuli are felt.
Difficulty Walking
According to the Mayo Clinic, a stroke causes trouble with walking and coordination. Sudden dizziness (vertigo), a loss of balance and abnormal clumsiness are other signs that suggest a stroke has occurred.
Problems With Eyesight
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that a stroke causes problems with eyesight and affects one or both eyes at once. The problems occur suddenly and are experienced as blurred vision, double vision, a decrease in vision or a total loss of vision.
Problems Speaking
A stroke causes trouble with speaking, such as slurred speech, and stroke victims often have problems relating thoughts into words and understanding what others are saying, states the Mayo Clinic.
Changes in Alertness
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a stroke might cause changes in alertness such as confusion or a loss of memory, sleepiness, unconsciousness and even a coma.
Personality Changes
An individual experiencing a stroke might display personality, mood or emotional changes, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
