Symptoms of a stroke

Symptoms of strokes usually occur suddenly. The symptoms may vary depending upon the part of the brain affected. This is because different parts of the body are controlled by different parts of the brain.

One or more of the following symptoms are common:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, often on one side of the body. This may range from total paralysis to mild clumsiness. Loss of consciousness and seizure may occur.
• Sudden confusion, difficulty talking or in understanding speech.
• Sudden problems with balance, co-ordination, vision or swallowing.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.