However, depending on which part of the brain is affected, a stroke can also present with many unusual and unexpected symptoms that are important to recognize.
To identify stroke emergencies, the acronym ‘BE FAST’ is used globally.
B – Balance: Sudden loss
of balance, dizziness, or feeling unsteady.
E – Eyes: Sudden vision
changes, such as loss of sight in one or both eyes, blurred or double vision.
F – Face: Drooping on one
side of the face.
A – Arms: Sudden weakness
or numbness in one arm or leg, often on one side of the body.
S – Speech: Trouble
speaking or understanding speech.
T – Time: Time is
critical—seek emergency medical help immediately.
Other Possible Symptoms
In addition to the above, there are several lesser-known symptoms that may also indicate a stroke. Some of these are discussed briefly below:
1. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance
The affected person may suddenly become disoriented—unable to recognize where they are or follow simple instructions. This can indicate a stroke in the back part of the brain.
* Difficulty walking or
feeling dizzy all of a sudden may occur.
* People often mistake dizziness for vertigo or heart issues, but when caused by a stroke, it results from damage to the brain’s balance center.
“If you suddenly feel dizzy, your legs feel weak, or you can’t walk properly—think stroke.”
2. Sudden Vision Problems (in One or Both Eyes)
* Sudden blurriness,
double vision, or even temporary blindness may occur.
* The key word is “sudden,” because normal eye fatigue develops gradually, but stroke-related vision loss happens instantly.
“If you notice a sudden change in your vision, don’t delay—this could be a sign of stroke.”
3. Sudden, Severe Headache for No Apparent Reason
A sudden, severe, or “lightning-bolt” type of headache can indicate bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). This is not an ordinary headache.
* In hemorrhagic strokes,
people often describe it as the “worst headache of their life.”
* It feels very different—more intense, sudden, and without warning.
“If you’ve never had headaches before, but suddenly experience a severe one, seek medical advice immediately.”
4. Sudden Confusion, ‘Mind Change,’ or Trouble Understanding Speech
Sometimes, stroke causes sudden mood swings, unexplained sadness, anger, or personality changes.
* Memory loss, confusion
about surroundings, difficulty understanding or responding appropriately, and
unusual behavior can appear suddenly.
* These are often mistaken for stress or lack of sleep, but when caused by stroke, the change is abrupt and significant.
“If you or someone nearby suddenly seems confused or struggles to understand simple speech—consider stroke as a possibility.”
5. Sudden Numbness or Tingling — in Face, Arm, or Leg
Even without full paralysis, one side of the body may feel tingling or burning sensations.
* Though this is a
“classic” sign, it can sometimes appear mildly—like when someone says, “My hand
just doesn’t feel right.”
* Even if mild, medical evaluation is essential.
“If your arm or leg suddenly feels numb or weak—don’t ignore it.”
6. Sudden Shortness of Breath, Chest Pressure, or Palpitations
* Stroke is usually linked
to brain blood flow, but some cases show unusual breathing difficulties or
heart palpitations.
* These are reported more frequently in women.
“If you feel chest tightness or shortness of breath, don’t assume it’s only your heart—it could be a stroke.”
7. Sudden Nausea, Vomiting, or Hiccups
If severe nausea or vomiting appears suddenly without infection, it may indicate a stroke in the cerebellum—the lower part of the brain.
* Brainstem strokes can
trigger sudden nausea, vomiting, or persistent hiccups.
* Rarely discussed, but important warning signs.
“If you experience unexplained vomiting or continuous hiccups, don’t take it lightly—think of stroke.”
**Important to Remember**
Stroke treatment is “time-sensitive”. The faster these symptoms are recognized and the patient is taken to the hospital, the lower the risk of permanent brain damage
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