- Feeling off-balance or unable to walk properly.
- Sudden loss of coordination or clumsiness.
- Severe dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo).
5. A Severe, Unexplained Headache
- A sudden, intense headache that feels different from past headaches.
- Often described as the « worst headache of your life ».
- Accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or loss of consciousness.
6. Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Feeling like food or liquid is getting stuck in the throat.
- Coughing or choking while eating.
- Slurred speech can often come along with swallowing difficulty.
7. Sudden Confusion or Memory Issues
- Inability to remember recent events.
- Difficulty following conversations or instructions.
- Feeling disoriented or lost in a familiar place.
8. One-Sided Facial Drooping
- Ask the person to smile – if one side droops, it may be a stroke.
- One side of the mouth may not move properly.
- The eyelid or cheek may sag slightly.
9. Nausea or Vomiting Without an Obvious Cause
- Some strokes, especially those affecting the brainstem, can cause sudden nausea and vomiting.
- This may happen without any stomach issues or food poisoning.
What to Do if You Notice These Symptoms?
Use the FAST Test to Identify a Stroke:
✔ F – Face Drooping – Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
✔ A – Arm Weakness – Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
✔ S – Speech Difficulty – Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is it slurred or unclear?
✔ T – Time to Call 911 – If you notice any of these symptoms, call emergency services immediately!
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