A month before a stroke, your body warns you: 10 signs not to ignore

Here’s a detailed and careful guide to 10 warning signs that may appear in the weeks before a stroke, based on medical research. These signs don’t guarantee a stroke, but they signal that your brain or blood vessels may be under stress, and prompt evaluation can prevent serious consequences.

1. Sudden or Recurrent Headaches

Intense headaches that are unusual or different from your normal pattern.
Often described as “explosive” or sudden in onset.
Could indicate changes in blood flow or small clots forming.

2. Numbness or Tingling

Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side.
Can be intermittent, mild at first, and easy to dismiss.

3. Vision Changes

Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision in one eye.
Flashes of light or “curtain-like” vision loss can be warning signs.

4. Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech

Slurred speech or trouble finding words.
Struggling to understand conversations or instructions.

5. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance

Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or having difficulty walking.
Sudden loss of coordination may precede a stroke in the brain’s balance centers.

6. Fatigue or Unusual Weakness

Feeling unusually weak or tired for no clear reason.
May affect one side of the body first.

7. Facial Drooping

One side of the face may droop when smiling or speaking.
Can be subtle at first but is an early red flag.

8. Confusion or Cognitive Changes

Difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions, or remembering simple things.
Sudden bouts of confusion, disorientation, or trouble focusing.

9. Short-lived “Mini-Stroke” Symptoms (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) cause temporary stroke-like symptoms.
Symptoms often resolve in minutes to hours but signal a high risk for a major stroke.

10. Neck or Shoulder Pain

Unexplained pain in the neck, shoulder, or upper back.
Can be related to vascular issues affecting blood flow to the brain.

Key Takeaways

Timing matters: Even mild or fleeting symptoms are warning signs—early medical evaluation is crucial.
Immediate action: If symptoms appear suddenly and intensely, call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.).
Lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol increase stroke risk—monitoring and managing these is vital.

If you want, I can also make a “stroke warning signs cheat sheet” with the FAST method plus subtle early signs for quick reference. It’s extremely practical for daily life.

Do you want me to make that?