A stroke can affect the parts of the brain involved in language and communication.
A person may suddenly begin slurring their words, speaking unclearly, struggling to find familiar words, or producing sentences that do not make sense. They may also have difficulty understanding what other people are saying.
Sometimes, the person knows what they want to communicate but cannot express it properly.
These changes may be frightening, particularly when they appear without an obvious cause.
What to do: Treat sudden speech difficulties or confusion about language as an emergency. Call for medical assistance rather than attempting to drive the person to the hospital yourself.
4. Sudden Loss of Vision or Blurred Vision
Changes in vision can occur when a stroke affects the parts of the brain responsible for processing visual information.
A person may suddenly experience blurred vision, double vision, partial loss of sight, or difficulty seeing objects on one side. In some cases, vision loss affects one eye; in others, it affects the same side of the visual field in both eyes.
These symptoms may occur with other stroke signs or appear on their own.
Although blurred vision can result from many conditions, a sudden and unexplained change in vision should never be dismissed.
What to do: Seek emergency medical attention if vision changes develop suddenly, especially if they occur alongside dizziness, weakness, or difficulty speaking.
5. Sudden Difficulty Walking or Maintaining Balance
A stroke can interfere with the brain systems responsible for coordination, balance, and movement.
Someone experiencing a stroke may suddenly become unsteady, stumble, veer to one side, or find it difficult to stand or walk normally. They may feel as though the room is moving or that they cannot control their movements properly.
These symptoms can sometimes resemble an inner-ear problem or other conditions affecting balance.
However, sudden difficulty walking, particularly when accompanied by other neurological symptoms, can indicate a stroke affecting the brain’s coordination pathways.
What to do: If someone suddenly loses their balance or cannot walk normally without an obvious explanation, call emergency services. Do not allow them to walk around unassisted if they may fall.
6. A Sudden, Severe Headache
A sudden, extremely severe headache can be a warning sign of a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeding develops in or around the brain.
Some people describe the pain as explosive or unlike any headache they have experienced before. It may be accompanied by vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, sensitivity to light, or loss of consciousness.
Not every severe headache is caused by a stroke. Migraines and other conditions can also cause significant head pain. However, a sudden headache that reaches maximum intensity very quickly requires emergency medical evaluation.
What to do: Call emergency services immediately for a sudden, exceptionally severe headache, particularly if it is accompanied by neurological symptoms, vomiting, or fainting.
Do not assume that the pain is simply caused by stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep.
7. Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Understanding What Is Happening
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