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Stroke symptoms

Strokes happen fast, and getting help quickly can help you make a full recovery.

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What are the most common symptoms of stroke?

Stroke symptoms come on suddenly. The most common symptoms are:

  • Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
  • Severe headache with no known cause

What if stroke symptoms go away quickly?

Even if your stroke symptoms go away, call 911 right away. Temporary stroke symptoms are often caused by a "mini-stroke," or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked temporarily.

TIAs may not last long, but they still require treatment. Also, a TIA could be a sign that you are about to have a full stroke.

Did we answer your question about stroke symptoms?

For more information about stroke symptoms, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or check out the following resources from other organizations:

  • Know Stroke — The Know Stroke. Know the Signs. Act in Time. campaign from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
  • Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms — Information from the American Stroke Association