5 Stroke Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Knowing the signs of a stroke could help save someone's life.
In the UK, someone has a stroke approximately every five minutes. And according to the Stroke Association, around 1.4 million people are living with the effects of stroke.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or bleeding in the brain.
It can happen suddenly, sometimes without any warning.
And while many of us know that a stroke can cause facial weakness or slurred speech, there are other symptoms worth knowing about too.
Some signs can be mistaken for less serious health problems. Others might disappear after a short time, leaving someone feeling as though everything is back to normal.
But when it comes to stroke, getting help quickly matters.
Here are five warning signs to look out for, what they could mean and when to get medical help.
If you think someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately. Even if their symptoms disappear, they still need urgent medical attention.
How Can You Recognise a Stroke?
One of the easiest ways to recognise a possible stroke is to remember FAST.
F – Face: Has one side of the person's face dropped? Can they smile normally?
A – Arms: Can they lift both arms and keep them raised? Is one arm weak or numb?
S – Speech: Is their speech slurred, confused or difficult to understand?
T – Time: Call 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Not everyone will experience all three symptoms.
Some people may have other sudden changes to their vision, balance, movement or ability to communicate.
You can find more information in the NHS guide to stroke symptoms.
1. Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack, often called a mini-stroke, happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted.
It causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke, but they disappear after a short time.
Symptoms can last a few minutes or several hours, usually clearing completely within 24 hours.
A TIA can cause:
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Facial weakness
Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Sudden problems with vision
Difficulty understanding what someone is saying
Dizziness or difficulty with balance
Because the symptoms can disappear, someone might assume there's nothing more to worry about.
But a TIA is a serious warning that a person may be at greater risk of having a stroke in the near future.
And when symptoms first appear, there's no reliable way to tell whether someone is having a TIA or a stroke.
If someone develops symptoms of a stroke or TIA, call 999 immediately, even if they begin to feel better.
If someone experienced possible TIA symptoms in the past, didn't seek medical advice and is now feeling well, they should contact their GP urgently for an assessment.
2. A Sudden, Severe Headache
Headaches are common, and most aren't caused by a stroke.
But a sudden, extremely painful headache can sometimes be a sign of a serious problem involving the brain, including a stroke caused by bleeding.
This type of headache may feel very different from someone's usual headaches.
It can appear suddenly and become extremely painful within seconds or minutes.
Someone may also experience:
Nausea or vomiting
Changes to their vision
Confusion
Weakness or difficulty moving
A loss of consciousness
A sudden, extremely painful headache needs immediate medical attention, particularly if it appears alongside other stroke symptoms.
Not everyone who has a stroke experiences a headache. And having a headache doesn't automatically mean someone is having a stroke.
But it's important not to ignore a sudden, unusually severe headache.
Call 999 if someone develops a sudden, extremely painful headache that could be linked to a stroke or another serious medical emergency.
3. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance
We've all felt dizzy occasionally.
Perhaps you've stood up too quickly, haven't eaten for a while or are recovering from an illness.
Dizziness can happen for lots of reasons, and it isn't always a sign of something serious.
But sudden dizziness, particularly when it affects someone's ability to stand, walk or keep their balance, can sometimes be a symptom of stroke.
For example, your loved one might suddenly:
Struggle to walk in a straight line
Feel as though the room is spinning
Become unusually unsteady
Find it difficult to coordinate their movements
Experience dizziness alongside changes to their vision or speech
These symptoms can sometimes occur when a stroke affects areas of the brain involved in balance and coordination.
And they don't always appear alongside the facial weakness or speech problems many of us associate with a stroke.
That's why it's worth knowing about them.
If someone suddenly becomes very dizzy or loses their balance and you think they could be having a stroke, call 999.
Don't wait to see whether the symptoms improve.
4. Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Communicating
You know the people closest to you.
You know how Mum usually tells a story. How Dad joins in with a conversation. And how your partner normally responds when you ask them a question.
So when someone suddenly seems confused or struggles to communicate, it's natural to notice.
Sudden confusion or changes in speech can be a sign of stroke.
For example, someone might:
Struggle to find words they normally use
Speak in a way that's difficult to understand
Have trouble following a conversation
Seem unable to understand simple questions
Become suddenly confused about what's happening around them
These changes can be unsettling, particularly if they happen without an obvious reason.
And while confusion can have several causes, including infections and other health conditions, sudden changes shouldn't be put down to getting older.
If someone develops sudden speech difficulties, confusion or problems understanding others, they may be having a stroke.
Call 999 immediately if you suspect a stroke.
Even if the person begins speaking normally again, they still need urgent medical attention.
5. Sudden Numbness or Weakness
Sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, is one of the best-known stroke symptoms.
It might affect someone's face, arm or leg.
For example, your loved one may suddenly find it difficult to hold a cup of tea, raise one arm or walk as they normally would.
They might also experience a loss of feeling or an unusual sensation in part of their body.
Sometimes these symptoms can be mild. They may even disappear after a few minutes.
But that doesn't mean they should be ignored.
Temporary numbness or weakness can sometimes be caused by a TIA, which requires urgent medical assessment.
It's important to remember that not everyone experiences symptoms in exactly the same way.
And you don't need to wait for several symptoms to appear before asking for help.
If someone develops sudden unexplained weakness or numbness and you suspect a stroke, call 999 immediately.
What Should You Do If Someone Is Having a Stroke?
If you think someone is having a stroke, the most important thing is to act quickly.
Here's what to do.
Call 999
Tell the call handler that you think someone may be having a stroke.
Explain the symptoms you've noticed and follow their instructions.
Note when the symptoms started
If possible, remember when you first noticed the changes or when the person was last known to be feeling well.
This information can help the medical team assess what treatment may be suitable.
Stay with the person
Offer reassurance and help them stay as comfortable as possible while emergency help is arranged.
Follow the advice given by the emergency services.
Don't drive them to hospital yourself
Call 999 and follow the instructions from the emergency services.
Don't ignore symptoms that disappear
If someone seems to recover after a few minutes, they still need urgent medical attention.
A TIA can be a warning that someone is at risk of a future stroke.
Getting assessed quickly can help doctors understand what happened and decide what treatment or support is needed.
Can You Reduce Your Risk of Having a Stroke?
Although not every stroke can be prevented, there are steps we can take to look after our health and reduce our risk.
Some of the most helpful changes involve looking after our heart and blood vessels.
These include:
Keeping your blood pressure under control
Staying physically active
Eating a healthy, balanced diet
Stopping smoking
Limiting alcohol intake
Managing conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol
Following advice about prescribed medication
High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke.
And because it doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms, regular blood pressure checks can be helpful.
Small, lasting changes to everyday habits can support your health over time.
If you'd like more information, take a look at our guide to lifestyle changes that may help reduce stroke risk.
Supporting Someone After a Stroke
A stroke can bring changes to everyday life, both for the person affected and for the people who love them.
Some people experience difficulties with movement or communication. Others may need help with everyday activities, such as getting dressed, preparing meals or moving safely around their home.
Recovery is different for everyone.
And while some people regain much of their independence, others may need ongoing care and support.
If someone you love has experienced a stroke, you may be wondering how best to help them.
At Bluebird Care, we understand how much it means to continue living in familiar surroundings.
Our trained care professionals can provide practical and emotional support at home, working around your loved one's needs, preferences and routines.
That might mean helping them get ready in the morning, preparing their favourite meals or supporting them with everyday activities as they recover.
And we're here for families too, because supporting someone after a stroke can be a big change for everyone.
In Summary
Recognising the symptoms of stroke and acting quickly can save lives.
Remember the FAST signs: Face, Arms, Speech and Time to call 999.
And be aware of other sudden symptoms, including severe headaches, dizziness, confusion, vision changes and weakness or numbness.
Not everyone will experience the same signs.
If you think someone is having a stroke, don't wait for the symptoms to get worse.
Call 999 immediately, even if the symptoms disappear.
If you're looking for more information about health and wellbeing, visit our help and guidance section, where you'll find articles about stroke prevention and early signs of dementia.
And if someone you love needs support following a stroke, we're here to help.
Learn more about our stroke care services, or get in touch with your local Bluebird Care office for a friendly conversation about the support available.
Because it's good to be home.