How to Tell if Someone is Having a Stroke: 10 Signs & Symptoms
If you suspect stroke, call 911 immediately
A sudden onset of the following may indicate stroke:
| SYMPTOMS A LOVED ONE MAY EXPERIENCE | SIGNS YOU MAY NOTIE | |
Confusion |
Unable to understand what is happening, can’t think clearly or feel thrown off | A puzzled look, a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions |
Difficulty Understanding |
Unable to comprehend speech or language | Raised or wrinkled eyebrows, shaking their head “no”, unsteady or woozy |
Dizziness |
Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning | Unsteady movements (like they have motion sickness), like they are drunk (without having any alcohol) |
Loss of Balance |
Unstable with less coordination | Wobbling around, grabbing onto a stationary object |
Numbness |
A tingling feeling in the body (i.e. face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles | Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas |
Severe Headache |
Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp or neck with no known cause | Touching their head, rubbing their temples, sensitivity to light |
Trouble Speaking |
Unable to speak or slurred speech | Sentences that can’t be understood, difficulty having a conversation |
Trouble Walking |
Stumbling or unable to walk straight | Tripping over nothing |
Vision Changes |
Blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes | Squinting or rubbing their eyes, not able to read |
Weakness |
Lack of strength in the face, arm, or leg–especially on one side of the body | Wanting to sit or lay down, difficulty doing simple tasks |
*Note that these symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention.
