Early Warning Signs of Stroke You Should Know
The early warning signs of stroke appear suddenly and include drooping of one side of the face, weakness or numbness in one arm or leg, slurred or confused speech, loss of balance, sudden blurred or lost vision and a sudden severe headache. An easy way to remember them is BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time. A stroke is a medical emergency. If you notice any of these signs, call an ambulance (108 or 112 in India) and go to a hospital with stroke facilities immediately, even if the symptoms seem to improve.
This guide explains what a stroke is, how to recognise the signs early, what a mini-stroke is, the main risk factors and what to do in the first few minutes.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to get damaged within minutes.
Types of stroke
- Ischaemic stroke: caused by a clot or narrowing that blocks an artery. This is the most common type.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA): a temporary blockage that causes short-lived symptoms, often called a mini-stroke.
BE FAST: Early Warning Signs of Stroke
B: Balance
Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or difficulty walking.
E: Eyes
Sudden blurred, double or lost vision in one or both eyes.
F: Face
One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile and check whether it is uneven.
A: Arm
Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg. Ask the person to raise both arms; one may drift down.
S: Speech
Slurred speech, difficulty finding words or trouble understanding what others say.
T: Time
Time to call an ambulance. Note the time the symptoms began or when the person was last seen normal.
Other Symptoms That Can Signal a Stroke
- Sudden, severe headache, often described as the worst ever, especially with vomiting
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden numbness or tingling on one side of the body
- Unexplained drowsiness or loss of consciousness
Symptoms can be mild at first. Even one sudden symptom deserves urgent attention. You can also read our article on early signs of brain stroke.
What Is a Mini-Stroke (TIA)?
A TIA causes the same symptoms as a stroke, but they disappear, usually within minutes to a few hours. Because the symptoms go away, many people ignore them. However, a TIA is a warning that a full stroke may follow, sometimes within days. Anyone who has had TIA symptoms should get urgent medical evaluation.
What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke
- Call an ambulance (108 or 112) immediately, or go straight to the nearest hospital with emergency stroke care.
- Note the time symptoms started.
- Keep the person lying down with the head slightly raised, or on their side if they are drowsy or vomiting.
- Do not give food, water or medicines by mouth, as swallowing may be affected.
- Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
- Carry a list of current medicines and medical reports if available.
Why every minute matters
For ischaemic stroke, some treatments that dissolve or remove the clot can only be given within a limited time after symptoms start. Hospitals need a brain scan first to tell an ischaemic stroke from a bleed. Reaching the right hospital quickly allows the medical team to decide on treatment without delay.
Risk Factors for Stroke
Risk factors you can manage
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Excess alcohol
- Physical inactivity and excess weight
- Irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) and other heart conditions
- Sleep apnoea
Risk factors you cannot change
- Increasing age
- Family history of stroke
- A previous stroke or TIA
How Is Stroke Diagnosed?
In the emergency department, doctors examine the person and arrange a brain scan (CT or MRI) to confirm the type of stroke. Blood tests, ECG and scans of the blood vessels in the neck and brain help find the cause. Further heart tests may be done later.
Recovery and Prevention After a Stroke
Recovery varies from person to person. Rehabilitation may include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Preventing another stroke involves controlling risk factors and taking prescribed medicines regularly. Our article on stroke recovery, exercises and lifestyle tips covers this in more detail, and you can learn about paralysis care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the first signs of a stroke?
Common first signs include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg (often on one side), slurred or confused speech, sudden loss of balance, sudden vision loss and a sudden severe headache. BE FAST is a simple way to remember them.
What should I do if someone is having a stroke?
Call an ambulance (108 or 112 in India) immediately and note the time symptoms started. Keep the person safe and lying on their side if drowsy or vomiting. Do not give food, water or medicines by mouth, and do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
What is a mini-stroke or TIA?
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) causes stroke-like symptoms that go away, usually within minutes to hours. It is a warning sign that a stroke may follow, so it needs urgent medical evaluation even if you feel normal afterwards.
Why is time so important in stroke?
In an ischaemic stroke, brain cells are deprived of blood and oxygen. Some treatments to restore blood flow can only be given within a limited time window after symptoms begin, so reaching a stroke-ready hospital quickly matters.
Can young people have a stroke?
Yes. Although stroke is more common with age, it can happen in younger adults and even children. Causes may include heart conditions, blood clotting problems, artery tears, drug use and other factors.
How can I lower my risk of stroke?
Controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, not smoking, limiting alcohol, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and getting heart rhythm problems treated can reduce stroke risk. Take prescribed medicines regularly and attend check-ups.
Consult Dr. Chetna Patil for Stroke Prevention and Follow-Up
For a suspected stroke, always go to the emergency department first. For stroke risk assessment, follow-up after a stroke or TIA, or other neurological concerns, you can consult Dr. Chetna Patil (MBBS, MD Medicine, DNB Neurology), a neurologist in Wakad. Read more about Dr. Chetna Patil or about stroke care.
- Clinic: ABS Clinic (Brain & Spine Clinic), Shop No. 115, 1st Floor, Westwood Estates, opp. Mont Vert Tropez Road, Kaspate Wasti, Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad 411057
- Phone: +91 80108 66994
