Here are some of the most common symptoms people report in the weeks to days before a stroke:
1. Mini-stroke (TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack)
Often called a “warning stroke,” a TIA can happen days or weeks before a major stroke.
Symptoms are the same as a stroke but temporary (minutes to hours):
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Sudden numbness or weakness (often one side of the body)
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Slurred speech or trouble finding words
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Sudden vision problems
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Dizziness or loss of balance
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Sudden confusion
Because symptoms go away, many people ignore them — but a TIA is a medical emergency.
2. Severe or Unusual Headaches
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Sudden, intense headache (“worst headache of your life”)
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Different from your normal headaches
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Headache with vision changes or nausea
More common before hemorrhagic strokes.
3. Repeated Dizziness or Balance Problems
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Feeling off-balance
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Sudden falls
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Vertigo without a clear cause
4. Visual Disturbances
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Blurred vision
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Temporary loss of vision in one eye
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Double vision
5. Numbness or Tingling
Especially:
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Face
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Arm
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Leg
(Usually on one side)
6. Speech Changes
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Slurring
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Trouble forming sentences
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Words coming out wrong
7. Sudden Extreme Fatigue or Confusion
Some people report:
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Unusual exhaustion
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Brain fog
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Personality changes
The FAST Rule (for stroke recognition)
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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Speech difficulty
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Time to call emergency services
If you’re comfortable sharing:
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What were your first symptoms?
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Was it an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic?
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How are you doing now?
And if you’re asking because you’re worried about new symptoms now, please tell me what’s happening — stroke symptoms require immediate emergency care.
I’m here with you.