Signs & Symptoms

The American Stroke Association estimates that approximately 600,000 Americans suffer from stroke each year. Stroke is one of the top five killers of women and men, and it is also the leading cause of disability in the United States.

Five Warning Signs

Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding.
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
Severe headache with no known cause.

Failure to recognize stroke symptoms is one of the major reasons why treatment is often delayed. When a stroke occurs, every minute counts. Whether you or someone else is having a stroke, knowing how and when to react could save a life and increase the chances for a successful recovery. That's why you should know the five warning signs and what to do. The sudden onset of one or more of these symptoms could indicate a stroke. Get immediate help by calling 911 or having someone drive you to the nearest emergency department.

What are some other symptoms of stroke?

Other, less common, symptoms of stroke may include the following:

sudden nausea, vomiting, or fever not caused by a viral illness
brief loss or change of consciousness such as fainting, confusion, seizures, or coma
transient ischemic attack (TIA) or "mini-stroke"

A TIA can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke, but TIA symptoms are transient and last for a few minutes to a few days. Call for medical help immediately if you suspect a person is having a TIA, as it may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. Not all strokes, however, are preceded by TIAs.

For more information about stroke services at Ohio State University Medical Center call (614) 293-5123 or (800) 293-5123.