A stroke can happen suddenly, and knowing what to look for can make a difference in how quickly someone receives treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke each year. About 610,000 of those are first or new strokes, while nearly 1 in 4 occur in people who have had a previous stroke.
Stroke risk increases with age, but it can happen at any age. The CDC lists high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes among the leading causes and risk factors for stroke.
For World Stroke Day on Oct. 29, the World Stroke Organization’s 2026 campaign,
“Every Minute Counts,” focuses on recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly. The organization notes that time lost can mean brain loss, making it important to know the warning signs and seek emergency care as soon as they appear.
5 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. The CDC recommends knowing the warning signs and calling 911 if they occur.
1. Sudden weakness or numbness
Pay attention to sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body. One side of the face may droop, or one arm may drift downward when both arms are raised.
2. Sudden trouble speaking
Slurred speech, difficulty finding words or trouble understanding what someone is saying can be signs of a stroke. A sudden change in speech should not be brushed off, even if the person otherwise seems fine.
3. Sudden vision changes
A sudden change in vision in one or both eyes can also be a warning sign. Blurred or double vision, or suddenly losing the ability to see normally, should be treated as an emergency.
4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or difficulty coordinating movements can be signs of a stroke. These symptoms may be easy to dismiss, especially if they improve quickly, but they should not be ignored.
5. A sudden, severe headache
A sudden, severe headache with no known cause can be another warning sign, particularly when it occurs with other stroke symptoms. The CDC includes a sudden severe headache among the symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
When Symptoms Start, Act FAST
The CDC uses B.E. F.A.S.T. to help people recognize stroke symptoms:
- B – Balance: Is there sudden dizziness or loss of balance?
- E – Eyes: Is there sudden trouble seeing?
- F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Is one arm weak or drifting downward?
- S – Speech: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
- T – Time: Call 911 immediately.
If you notice these symptoms, call 911 rather than driving yourself or someone else to the hospital. According to the CDC, emergency medical personnel can begin care during transportation, and noting when symptoms first appeared can help healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment.
And if the symptoms disappear after a few minutes, don’t assume everything is fine. The CDC notes that a transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause temporary stroke-like symptoms and is still a serious condition that requires medical attention.
This World Stroke Day, take a few minutes to learn the warning signs. You may one day recognize them in a family member, friend, or yourself. If the signs appear, don’t wait. Call 911.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso, our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
