The death rate from stroke has declined in the last decade, although the overall number of deaths have actually risen in the last decade. An excess of 150,000 people die every year of stroke. Sudden weakness or clumsiness in one extremity or one side of your body is frequently noted. There can be a sudden inability to speak clearly or to get your words out. Likewise, there can be confusion or difficulty understanding.
Patients can also present with loss of vision in one eye, both eyes or double vision.
Other symptoms of stroke include difficulty walking with loss of balance or coordination. Dizziness is considered a non-specific symptom but could be a manifestation of stroke. Likewise, headache, especially severe unprovoked headache, can sometimes be part of a stroke syndrome. There are multiple, well-defined risk factors for stroke. Perhaps the most important risk factor is hypertension.