4. Numbness or Tingling in Face, Arm, or Leg
Typically affects one side of the body.
Comes on suddenly or builds gradually over days.
Sensation ranges from pins-and-needles to complete numbness.
5. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech
Slurred words, trouble finding the right word, or jumbled sentences.
You might struggle to follow a conversation or seem confused.
Others may say, “You’re not making sense.”
6. Sudden Weakness in Limbs
An arm or leg feels heavy, weak, or hard to lift.
Dropping objects unexpectedly.
Dragging a foot while walking.
Classic red flag: Try raising both arms. If one drifts downward, seek help immediately.
7. Confusion or Memory Lapses
Forgetting recent events, getting lost in familiar places, or sudden mental fog.
Especially concerning if new or worsening in someone without dementia.
8. High Blood Pressure Spikes
Consistently high readings (140/90 mmHg or higher).
Sudden surges—even if temporary—are dangerous.
Often called “the silent killer,” hypertension damages blood vessels over time, setting the stage for stroke.
Regular monitoring can catch this early—before it becomes catastrophic.
9. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – Mini-Strokes
Short-lived episodes mimicking stroke symptoms: slurred speech, weakness, vision loss.
They typically resolve within minutes to hours.
But here’s the truth: a TIA is a medical emergency, not a false alarm. It means a major stroke could be imminent.
10. Persistent Fatigue or Sleep Disturbances
Unusual exhaustion despite adequate rest.
New-onset insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.
While fatigue has many causes, when combined with other signs, it may point to vascular stress or micro-events in the brain.
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