3 Warning Signs – How to Detect a Stroke in Minutes

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A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Every minute matters. The earlier it is recognized, the better the chances for survival and recovery. Yet, many people miss the warning signs or mistake them for other conditions. Here are the three key warning signs that can help you identify a stroke in just a few minutes.

 

Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body

One of the most common signs of a stroke is sudden weakness, usually affecting just one side of the body. This may include:

• The face (a drooping smile)
• The arm (inability to raise it)
• The leg

This numbness is often paired with a loss of coordination or balance. If someone is unable to raise both arms evenly, it’s a major red flag.

 

Speech or comprehension difficulties

A stroke can affect the brain’s language centers. The person may:

• Speak in slurred or jumbled words
• Say nonsense phrases
• Be unable to understand simple instructions

Try this quick test: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” If they can’t do it or seem confused, it could be a serious warning sign.

 

Sudden vision loss or severe headache

A stroke may also cause:

• Blurry vision or complete loss of sight in one eye
• Double vision
• A sudden, intense headache, often described as the worst of their life

Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or extreme dizziness.

What to do if a stroke is suspected?

Use the acronym FAST to remember the key signs and actions:

• Face: Ask the person to smile – does one side droop?
• Arms: Can they raise both arms?
• Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S., 112 in the EU, 15 in France).

Do not wait for the symptoms to go away. Fast treatment within 3 hours can drastically improve outcomes.

Prevention and lifestyle tips

Stroke risk increases with certain health conditions:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Lack of physical activity

The best prevention? A healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking, and regular check-ups.