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Ischemic Stroke Signs

According to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 80 to 85 percent of strokes are classified as ischemic strokes. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in a vessel that supplies the brain with blood. Brain cells can begin to die within only a few minutes after the onset of an ischemic stroke. Immediate medical attention can mean the difference between life or death for a stroke victim, so learning to recognize the signs of an ischemic stroke can save lives. Seek immediate medical attention for any of the possible signs of a stroke.

  1. Numbness or Weakness

    • One of the most common signs of an ischemic stroke is sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Some stroke victims experience sudden complete paralysis of one side of the body, while others may experience sudden numbness, tingling or weakness. In some cases, only the face, arm or leg is affected. Trying to raise both arms, both legs or trying to smile widely can help determine if weakness is present on only one side of the body.

    Headache

    • A sudden headache that appears without warning may be a sign of an ischemic stroke. Headaches caused by strokes are usually intense and unusual in nature. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden severe headaches caused by a stroke may manifest along with stiffness in the neck or facial pain, especially between the eyes.

    Speech

    • Many stroke victims experience sudden trouble with speaking. Speech may be slurred or incoherent, or the victim may not be able to speak at all. Some stroke victims experience aphasia, meaning that they cannot find the words to express what they want to say. They may know what they want to express but cannot physically or mentally form the proper words.

    Vision

    • Sudden changes in vision may be a sign of an ischemic stroke. Vision may become blurred, or the patient may experience sudden double vision with no other probable cause. Some stroke victims may experience complete blackouts in vision that may persist or come and go.

    Coordination

    • Some stroke victims find they are suddenly unable to walk or maintain their balance. Those who are able to walk may stumble or trip unnecessarily. Loss of coordination or balance is often accompanied by dizziness or a sudden bout of nausea.

    Confusion

    • People who are having a stroke may also appear suddenly confused without warning. They may not be able to understand basic speech or may forget where they are or what they were doing when the stroke occurred.

    Transient Ischemic Attacks

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, strokes usually occur without warning. Some people experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) prior to the onset of an actual stroke. A TIA happens when there is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as the signs of an actual ischemic stroke, but they typically last from a few minutes to 24 hours and then disappear. Even if the symptoms disappear without any apparent permanent damage, immediate medical attention is necessary, as TIAs are often a precursor to an actual stroke that may be preventable under a doctor's care.

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