Signs and Symptoms of Stroke - Stanford Hospital & Clinics

Cardiovascular Diseases

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

What are the most common symptoms of stroke?
The following are the most common symptoms of stroke. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 (or your local ambulance service) immediately. Treatment is most effective when started immediately. Symptoms may include:

sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding
sudden problems with vision such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
sudden dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
sudden problems with movement or walking
sudden, severe headaches with no other known cause

All of the above warning signs may not occur with each stroke. Do not ignore any of the warning signs, even if they go away - take action immediately. The symptoms of stroke may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are some other symptoms of stroke?
Other, less common, symptoms of stroke may include the following:

sudden nausea, vomiting, or fever not caused by a viral illness
brief loss or change of consciousness such as fainting, confusion, seizures, or coma
transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke"

A TIA can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke, but TIA symptoms are transient and last for a few minutes to a few days. Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded by TIAs.

For more information, please contact the Stanford Health Library