Here are the evidence-based signs doctors pay attention to:
⚠️ 1. TIAs (Mini-Strokes) — The Most Important Warning
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a brief interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms may last a few minutes to an hour, then disappear — but they are a major red flag.
Common TIA symptoms:
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Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
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Trouble speaking or slurred speech
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Sudden vision changes
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Sudden severe dizziness or imbalance
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Sudden confusion
👉 Up to 1 in 3 people who have a TIA may have a full stroke later, often within days or weeks.
⚠️ 2. Persistent Headaches or “New Type” Headache
A sudden, unusual headache — especially in someone who doesn’t normally get them — can signal changes in blood vessels.
Seek attention if:
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Pain is severe
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Pain comes with vision, speech, or balance issues
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Pain is different from your usual headaches
⚠️ 3. Dizziness or Loss of Balance
Unexplained episodes of:
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Feeling unsteady
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Vertigo
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Sudden difficulty walking
These may show up in the weeks before a stroke, especially if they come and go.
⚠️ 4. Numbness or Tingling Episodes
Short, unexplained sensations in:
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Face
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Arm
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Leg
Especially on one side, may be caused by brief reductions in brain blood flow.
⚠️ 5. Vision Problems
Intermittent issues such as:
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Blurry vision
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Double vision
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Temporary vision loss in one eye (like a curtain coming down)
This can be an early sign of carotid artery problems.
⚠️ 6. Trouble Speaking or Understanding
Not sustained — but brief episodes like:
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Difficulty forming words
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Momentarily forgetting simple words
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Speech sounding slurred for a few minutes
This is commonly overlooked.
⚠️ 7. Fatigue or Weakness That Appears Suddenly
Not ordinary tiredness — but a noticeable drop in energy, limb heaviness, or weakness without an obvious cause.
⚠️ 8. Difficulty Swallowing or Sudden Drooling
A sign of impaired muscle control that can precede a stroke for some individuals.
⚠️ 9. Shortness of Breath or Chest Tightness
Sometimes stroke risk is linked to underlying heart issues, especially with irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).
⚠️ When to Seek Help Immediately
Even if symptoms come and go, you should seek urgent medical care if you experience:
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Sudden weakness
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Speech trouble
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Vision changes
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Facial drooping
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Severe headache
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Loss of balance
Because “minor” symptoms often precede major strokes.
✔️ Who is at Higher Risk?
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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Obesity
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Heart rhythm problems (like AFib)
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Family history of stroke
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Age over 55 (but strokes can happen younger too)
If You Want:
I can give you:
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A checklist of early stroke warning signs
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A list of foods/foods to avoid for stroke prevention
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A simple 7-day stroke-prevention plan
Just tell me!
