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Symptoms of Stroke
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Warning Signs of a Stroke
All stroke therapy is most effective when started as early as possible. If you or a loved one experiences the sudden onset of any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately and get to the nearest hospital:
- A sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on just one side of the body
- Difficulty walking, speaking, understanding, or seeing with one or both eyes
- Sudden confusion, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
These warning signs are the same for both types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
About Ischemic Stroke, Mini-Strokes and TIAs
An early warning sign of an impending ischemic stroke is one or more transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or "mini-strokes."
TIAs are critical warning signs that a stroke may be on the way in the coming days or months.
During a TIA, blood flow to a part of the brain is temporarily restricted, leading to transient neurological deficits. The symptoms may be the same as those of a stroke but milder, and may last only a few minutes.
NewYork-Presbyterian is a recognized leader in stroke treatment and stroke research. Contact us if you have questions about stroke, but call 911 if you are experiencing signs or symptoms of stroke.
