In this article, we’ll break down Dr. Hinohara’s advice on recognizing the first warning signs of a stroke and uncover the five common morning habits that quietly triple your risk. These lessons are simple, practical, and could literally save your life.

The Subtle First Signs You Should Never Ignore

Most people imagine a stroke as something sudden—a collapse, slurred speech, or a drooping face. But according to Dr. Hinohara, the earliest warnings are much quieter.

One of the first red flags is a sudden loss of coordination. You may reach for your toothbrush and miss slightly, drop your keys, or feel clumsy while buttoning a shirt. Your hand might not move quite the way you expect. These small moments can seem harmless, but they can signal a temporary blockage in blood flow to the brain, known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a “mini-stroke.”