Signs And Symptoms Of A Stroke

The signs and symptoms, as well as the effects, of a stroke can vary from mild to severe and some people may not even know they have a stroke. Signs, symptoms and effects will vary depending on the location in the brain in which the blockage or bursting vessel occurs and the severity of the stroke. Some or all of the following may occur:

  • Headache
  • Blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Change in level of consciousness (sleepy, unconscious)
  • Change in taste
  • Change in hearing in one or both ears
  • Clumsiness
  • Loss of balance
  • Confusion or memory loss
  • Slurred or garbled speech or the inability to speak
  • Unable to comprehend others speech
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Muscle weakness or loss of use of (usually one side of the body)
  • Difficulty reading or writing
  • Facial drooping (usually to one side of the face)
  • Numbness or tingling (usually associated with one of side of the face or body)


Note - TIAs – trans ischemic attacks or mini strokes are often associated with very mild symptoms which may mean there is a narrowing of the artery or blood vessel and the blood and oxygen may have limited flow to the brain but manages to get through. These symptoms will usually be mild and temporary in nature. This type of stroke may precede a more severe or major stroke.