Symptoms of a Pending Stroke

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 600,000 strokes are reported in the United States every year. Strokes occur when the brain's blood supply is cut off due to a blockage or a break in an artery. A stroke can lead to death or disability, so it is important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and get help immediately if you suspect you or someone else is on the verge of having a stroke. Doing so may save a stroke victim from becoming disabled if treatment is administered within the hour.

Numbness or Weakness

• Numbness or a feeling of weakness that occurs without warning in any part of the face or in the limbs are symptoms of a pending stroke.

Problems Communicating

• An inability to speak, having difficulty speaking, having difficulty comprehending someone else who is talking and disorientation may be signs of a stroke about to happen.

A Vision Problem

• If you notice that suddenly you cannot see clearly, you may be experiencing a symptom of a pending stroke.

Difficulty Ambulating

• A person who may be having a stroke may get dizzy and lose her balance and may have difficulty walking.

Headache

• An intense headache that develops for no apparent reason should be cause for concern, as this is another symptom of a pending stroke.

Multiple Symptoms

• It is not unusual for any one symptom to suddenly manifest together with another symptom right before a stroke.