A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, cutting off the supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes, making stroke a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

This sudden loss of blood flow can lead to various symptoms, such as facial drooping, limb weakness, confusion, slurred speech, and severe headaches. Recognizing these symptoms quickly and getting prompt medical care is essential to preventing serious complications or death.

Common Symptoms

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. While both can present with similar symptoms, the specific signs can vary depending on which artery in the brain is affected and the severity of the blockage or bleed.

Common stroke symptoms include:

  • Numbness or weakness: Sudden numbness, facial drooping, or paralysis—especially on one side of the body. You may feel unable to move your arm or leg.

  • Cognitive changes: These may include sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, and problems with memory.

  • Visual disturbances: Stroke can cause temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurry vision, or difficulty focusing.

  • Motor impairment: You may lose coordination, have trouble walking, feel dizzy, or experience sudden loss of balance.

  • Other symptoms: These can include a sudden, severe headache with no known cause, as well as nausea or vomiting.

Even though these are common symptoms for both types of stroke, they may slightly vary depending on the specific artery affected in the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Symptoms

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Though symptoms usually last only 10 to 20 minutes—and rarely more than an hour—TIAs are serious and should be treated as medical emergencies.

Symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and may include:

  • Numbness or weakness

  • Trouble speaking

  • Blurred vision or vision loss in one eye

Medial Cerebral Artery (MCA) Stroke Symptoms

The medial cerebral artery supplies blood to large areas of the brain. A stroke in this artery may cause:

  • Weakness in one arm or limb

  • Drooping on one side of the face

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Trouble understanding language

Lobes of the Brain and Their Functions

  • Frontal lobe: Responsible for problem-solving, decision-making, learning, and memory

  • Temporal lobe: Manages hearing and language comprehension

  • Parietal lobe: Processes sensory input including touch, temperature, and pain

  • Occipital lobe: Controls visual perception, including recognizing shapes and colors

Anterior Cerebral Artery Stroke Symptoms

If the anterior cerebral artery is blocked, you may experience:

  • Impaired decision-making or judgment

  • Blurry or lost vision on one side

  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body

  • Difficulty controlling urination

  • Changes in walking pattern or inability to lift your feet

Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke Symptoms

The posterior cerebral arteries supply the occipital lobes. A stroke in this area may lead to:

  • Vision loss in one or both eyes

  • Sudden mood changes

  • Difficulty identifying objects

  • Memory problems

Vertebral/Basilar Artery Stroke Symptoms

These arteries supply blood to the back of the brain. If affected, symptoms may include:

  • Rapid, repetitive eye movements (nystagmus)

  • Dizziness

  • Double vision

  • Blindness in one eye

  • Trouble understanding language

  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)

  • Fainting

  • Tingling in the face

  • Loss of coordination or motor skills

When To Seek Medical Attention

A stroke is always a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

You can use the acronym FAST to remember key stroke symptoms:

  • F – Face: Facial drooping or uneven smile

  • A – Arms: Arm weakness or numbness, often on one side

  • S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech

  • T – Time: Time to call emergency services right away

A Quick Review

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, leading to potentially life-threatening symptoms such as paralysis, speech difficulties, vision problems, and loss of coordination. Because strokes can cause permanent disability or death, immediate medical attention is critical. Recognizing the signs and acting fast can save lives and improve recovery outcomes.