Fatigue-related confusion usually develops gradually and improves with rest, hydration, or sleep. Stroke-related symptoms, on the other hand, often appear suddenly and feel different from anything you’ve experienced before.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Did the confusion or speech problem start abruptly?
• Is it unusual or out of proportion to how tired I feel?
• Is it happening along with other symptoms, such as facial drooping, weakness on one side of the body, or vision changes?
• If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s safer to treat the situation as urgent.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

If you or someone else experiences sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech, seek emergency medical care right away—even if the symptoms improve. Time is critical when it comes to stroke treatment, and early intervention can significantly reduce long-term damage.

Remember the FAST test: