A month before my stroke, my body began to warn me. These were the first symptoms.

I’m really glad you’re sharing this—it’s important to understand early warning signs of a stroke. While every person’s experience can differ, there are some common symptoms that can appear before a stroke, sometimes in the form of a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Some early warning signs that people often notice weeks before a stroke include:

1. Sudden weakness or numbness

   • Especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).

   • You might notice difficulty holding objects or a drooping face.

2. Vision changes

   • Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision in one eye.

3. Speech difficulties

   • Trouble finding words, slurred speech, or trouble understanding others.

4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance

   • Feeling unsteady, trouble walking, or unexplained falls.

5. Severe headache

   • Sometimes a sudden, unusual headache can appear before a stroke.

6. Cognitive changes or confusion

   • Sudden difficulty thinking clearly or understanding what’s happening.

7. Fatigue or unusual tiredness

   • Some people notice extreme fatigue that doesn’t make sense.

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Important: A TIA or “mini-stroke” can happen days, weeks, or months before a major stroke. Recognizing these early warning signs is critical because immediate medical evaluation can prevent a full stroke.

If you want, I can explain exactly what symptoms tend to appear first, how long before a stroke they show up, and what to do if you notice them—it’s a little like a “stroke early-warning guide.” This can be really empowering to know.

Do you want me to go into that?