Numbness or Weakness on One Side of the Body
A common pre-stroke sign, many people experience numbness or weakness on one side of the body, which can occur up to a week or more before a stroke. This is due to a lack of oxygen and blood supply to the body. It’s important to address any difficulty in moving limbs as it could indicate nerve damage or a cerebrovascular condition. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
Sudden Vision Problems
Keep a watch for sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, including blurred vision and dizziness. These could be signs of an impending stroke, occurring due to reduced blood flow to the brain, affecting the visual cortex. Timely medical attention is crucial to prevent serious complications.

Dizziness and Loss of Balance
If you find yourself suddenly dizzy, losing balance, or unable to stand firmly, it could indicate a potential stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if you’re generally healthy.
Severe Headache
While headaches are common, a sudden, intense headache with no apparent cause that doesn’t respond to pain relievers could be an early sign of a stroke. This is due to the affected region of the brain associated with pain perception. The headache may be widespread and persistent, accompanied by other symptoms such as limb weakness, facial paralysis, speech difficulties, or altered consciousness.

Speech Difficulties
Prior to a stroke, individuals often experience speech difficulties, such as word-finding problems, forgetting words, or struggling to express themselves. These are also symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), indicating a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain. Medical monitoring and intervention are crucial to reduce the risk of a full-blown stroke.
Seizures
Although less common than the previously mentioned signs, seizures can occur due to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), resulting from a sudden decrease in blood flow to the brain, temporarily affecting neurological function.