2. Facial Drooping
Ask the person to smile.
If one side of the face droops, appears uneven, or feels numb, this can be a warning sign of stroke.
Facial weakness may be subtle at first, so comparing both sides of the face can help reveal the difference.
3. Difficulty Speaking
Stroke can affect the areas of the brain involved in speech.
A person may suddenly:
-
slur words
-
speak unusually slowly
-
use incorrect words
-
be unable to form a sentence
-
have trouble repeating a simple phrase
Any sudden change in speech should be treated seriously.
4. Trouble Understanding Speech
Some people can speak but suddenly have difficulty understanding what others are saying.
They may appear confused, respond incorrectly, or struggle to follow simple instructions.
Sudden problems with comprehension can be
a sign that the brain is not receiving normal blood flow.
5. Sudden Vision Changes
A stroke can affect vision in one or both eyes.
