Your body may warn you a month before a stroke—don't ignore these 10 signs

Do not attempt to diagnose the cause at home.

4. Sudden Vision Changes

A stroke or TIA can affect the parts of the brain responsible for vision.

Someone may suddenly experience:

• Blurred vision

• Double vision

• Loss of vision in one eye

• Loss of part of the visual field

A person may describe it as a curtain coming over their vision or suddenly being unable to see objects on one side.

Sudden unexplained vision loss is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

5. Sudden Severe Headache

A sudden, extremely severe headache—particularly one that reaches maximum intensity very quickly—can be a warning sign of a serious neurological emergency.

This is especially concerning when the headache is accompanied by vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, weakness, fainting, or neurological changes.

Not every severe headache is a stroke. Migraines and other conditions can produce intense pain. But a new, sudden, unusually severe headache should never be dismissed.

6. Sudden Difficulty Walking

Problems with balance or coordination can occur during a stroke or TIA.

Someone may suddenly feel as though the room is spinning, stumble while walking, or become unable to coordinate their movements normally.

They may appear intoxicated even though they have not consumed alcohol.

Sudden difficulty walking is particularly concerning when it occurs together with speech problems, vision changes, weakness, or severe dizziness.

7. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Coordination

Dizziness can have many harmless causes, but sudden neurological dizziness can sometimes be associated with stroke.

A person may suddenly feel extremely unsteady or unable to stand.

They may also experience difficulty coordinating their hands or walking in a straight line.

Because dizziness is common and nonspecific, it is the combination of symptoms and sudden onset that matters.

8. Temporary Symptoms That Completely Disappear