Stroke Symptoms

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of a stroke include:

• vision problems in one or both eyes
• severe headache
• paralysis or weakness in face, arm, or leg; often on one side of the body
• dizziness or poor coordination
• trouble walking
• mental confusion
• slurred words
• difficulty explaining what’s happening

Other Cognitive Symptoms

Depending on the area affected by the stroke, other symptoms of cognitive impairment may also occur. These include:

• sensory changes, such as change in hearing, taste, or touch
• clumsiness
• increased fatigue
• difficulty writing or reading
• changes in personality, emotions, or mood

Characteristics of Stroke-Related Headache

Headaches are a common ailment and symptom of many different things, most of which are not a stroke. However, they are a common stroke symptom, and often one of the first. A headache from a stroke has specific clues that can help differentiate it from normal headaches. It may begin suddenly, occur only when lying flat, or increase in intensity when you change positions. If it wakes you from your sleep, you headache may be a symptom of a stroke. People who are having subarachnoid hemorrhage often describe, ‘the worst headache of [my] life’ as their first symptom.