Warning Signs of a Stroke Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. Sudden dimness, blurriness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye. Difficulty speaking or trouble understanding speech. Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause. Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls, especially with any other symptoms.
Stroke is a medical emergency.
Every minute counts. A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area in the brain is interrupted, usually by a blood clot or broken vessel. Brain cells in the specific area of the brain deprived of blood are killed by a stroke. Without prompt medical treatment, a larger area of brain cells surrounding the immediate area also will die. When brain cells die, the stroke victim loses control of the abilities that area of the brain once controlled.