Warning signs of a stroke may appear as early as one month before the stroke occurs.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, for example, due to blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). It is one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide. Although strokes can occur suddenly, research suggests that certain warning signs and risk factors may appear weeks before the event. Early detection of these signs can save lives.

⚠️ Possible warning signs of a stroke

  1. Sudden or frequent headaches

    • Severe headaches, especially if they appear differently than usual, may be a warning sign.

  2. Visual disturbances

    • Blurred or double vision in one or both eyes.

  3. Dizziness and loss of balance

    • Feeling unsteady, having difficulty walking, or falling frequently.

  4. Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

    • Transient ischemic strokes (TIAs), sometimes called “mini-strokes,” cause brief stroke-like symptoms that resolve within minutes or hours.

    • They are a serious warning that this could result in a serious stroke.

  5. Sudden weakness or numbness