What are the signs of a stroke?

The signs of a stroke are critical to recognize quickly, as prompt treatment can significantly affect outcomes. Sudden weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, and confusion are classic symptoms associated with a stroke, particularly an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. These symptoms may arise due to the brain not receiving enough blood flow, leading to neurological deficits.

Sudden weakness occurs because the part of the brain responsible for motor function is affected. Slurred speech indicates that the areas involved in communication are impacted, and confusion can arise from a lack of blood flow to areas of the brain that control understanding and judgment. Recognizing these symptoms quickly can enable a person to seek medical attention, which is vital for effective treatment and recovery.

Meanwhile, options that involve consistent headaches and blurred vision, persistent coughing and fever, or excessive yawning and fatigue do not align with the acute and sudden nature of stroke symptoms. These alternatives reflect other health issues that may require attention but are not indicative of a stroke.