When parts of the brain are deprived of oxygen because of a blocked artery or the blood supply is reduced for any reason, a stroke can occur, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of a stroke, requiring immediate medical attention. Early treatment for stroke victims is vital to prevent permanent brain damage and other complications. It's important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke in case one strikes.
Movement
People having a stroke may have trouble walking and maintaining their balance. They may stumble and experience sudden dizziness. Paralysis is common during a stroke and typically appears on one side of the body. Impaired movement while having a stroke appears suddenly, with no other warning signs. Numbness and weakness may prevent the person from raising his hand over his head. If one hand begins to fall while raising the hands, it's very likely the person is experiencing a stroke.
Speech
Speaking is difficult for those having a stroke. Speech often becomes slurred and the person has trouble finding the right words to communicate, a condition called aphasia. The stroke victim often becomes confused and can't recognize simple commands or voices. If a person cannot repeat a simple sentence, there's a possibility that she is having a stroke. Additionally, the mouth begins to droop on one side. Doctors at the National Stroke Association report that if the person is not able to smile with his whole mouth, it's possible he is having a stroke.
Vision
Vision often becomes blurred during a stroke. Sight may become darkened; the person can begin seeing double. Vision may be hampered in one or both eyes. The impaired vision often is accompanied by a severe headache that attacks quickly. Pain increases between the eyes, as the headache seems to appear suddenly for no reason. In addition to eye pain, a stroke victim may get a stiff neck and pain in other areas of the face.
Denial
When even one of the symptoms appears suddenly and lasts for more than a couple minutes, the risk of a stroke increases. Other conditions can cause similar signs and symptoms of stroke, but they typically pass within a minute. Doctors at the American Stroke Association report that it's common for stroke victims to minimize their signs and symptoms and insist they are fine and don't need help. Denial of a stroke is another common signal, they say, and should be ignored.
