Stroke is a major public health issue and remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. In the United States alone, someone experiences a stroke approximately every 40 seconds, and tragically, a person dies from stroke-related causes every four minutes. Although the risk of stroke nearly doubles with each decade after the age of 55, it is important to understand that strokes can happen at any age. Alarmingly, research shows that stroke rates are increasing among younger adults under the age of 49.

Because of this growing risk, learning how to recognize early warning signs can quite literally save a life.

10 Stroke Warning Signs That May Appear Up to a Week in Advance

Regardless of your age or overall health, being aware of the early symptoms of stroke is critical. Warning signs may include sudden dizziness, a severe or unusual headache, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking. While many people think strokes happen suddenly, symptoms can sometimes develop gradually over several hours or even days.

Understanding these signs and acting quickly is essential, as stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. In this article, we will explain what happens during a stroke, highlight ten early warning signs, outline exactly what to do if a stroke is suspected, and discuss proven prevention strategies. We’ll also reveal the single most important risk factor for stroke, so be sure to read through to the end.

What Happens During a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. This is similar to a heart attack, but instead of affecting the heart, it damages brain tissue. There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks a vessel supplying the brain

• Hemorrhagic stroke, which happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures

Research indicates that about 87% of strokes are ischemic, while the remaining 13% are hemorrhagic. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, they begin to die within just three to four minutes. During a stroke, this damage progresses rapidly, with an estimated 1.9 million brain cells lost every minute.

After roughly ten minutes without oxygen, brain injury becomes severe and often irreversible. Without immediate medical intervention, a stroke can lead to permanent disability, cognitive impairment, or death.

Although strokes often appear to occur without warning, the body sometimes sends early signals. Recognizing these signs early can make all the difference.

Early Warning Sign #1: An Unexplained or Severe Headache

One lesser-known warning sign of stroke is an unusual or intense headache with no clear cause. A 2020 study involving 550 adults found that about 15% of individuals who later suffered an ischemic stroke experienced what researchers called a “sentinel headache” within the week leading up to the stroke.

These headaches were often persistent and lasted until other stroke symptoms began. The study also found that individuals who experienced sentinel headaches were more likely to have a history of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder that significantly increases stroke risk.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA): A Critical Warning

Another important warning sign is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a “mini-stroke.” TIAs occur when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked, causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within an hour.

One study revealed that 43% of stroke patients experienced TIA symptoms in the seven days prior to their full stroke. While TIAs do not typically cause permanent damage, they should never be ignored. Approximately one-third of people who experience a TIA will eventually have a major stroke if no preventive action is taken.

The good news is that recent research published in JAMA shows that the risk of having a full stroke within 90 days of a TIA has declined in recent years. This improvement is likely due to better medical follow-up, early treatment, and lifestyle interventions after a TIA.

Common TIA Symptoms Include:

• Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Trouble walking

• Blurred or double vision

• Confusion or dizziness

• A sudden, severe headache with no clear cause

If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention within 60 minutes. Prompt treatment can prevent up to 80% of strokes that would otherwise occur after a TIA.

What to Do Immediately: The BE-FAST Method

The BE-FAST acronym is an easy way to remember the key signs of stroke and what action to take:

• B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination

• E – Eyes: Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes

• F – Face: Facial drooping or numbness on one side

• A – Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm

• S – Speech: Slurred or difficult speech

• T – Time: Time is critical—call emergency services immediately

Even if symptoms are mild or temporarily disappear, emergency help is still required. Remember: time lost is brain lost.

What to Do While Waiting for Emergency Services

While waiting for an ambulance, you can take steps that may improve outcomes:

• Encourage the person to lie on their side with their head slightly elevated

• Loosen tight clothing

• Take note of symptom onset time and medical history

• Ask about medications and allergies

• Be prepared to perform CPR if breathing stops

• Stay calm and reassure the person

What NOT to Do:

• Do not let them sleep

• Do not let them drive themselves

• Do not give food, drink, or medication

• Do not delay calling emergency services

Stroke Risk Factors You Should Know

Some stroke risk factors are controllable, while others are not. The most common include:

• High blood pressure (the leading cause of stroke)

• Diabetes

• Heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation

• Smoking

• Increasing age

• Family history of stroke

Having both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes can increase stroke risk more than fourfold compared to people without these conditions.

How to Lower Your Stroke Risk

Although strokes cannot always be prevented, adopting healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk:

• Maintain healthy blood pressure

• Monitor and manage cholesterol levels

• Control blood sugar if you have diabetes

• Quit smoking

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Eat an anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet

• Limit alcohol intake

• Attend regular medical checkups

Taking proactive steps today is one of the most effective ways to protect your brain health in the long term.

Final Summary: 10 Key Stroke Warning Signs

1. Facial drooping

2. Slurred speech

3. Arm weakness or paralysis

4. Blurred vision

5. Sudden, severe headache

6. Confusion or dizziness

7. Balance problems or difficulty walking

8. Numbness or weakness on one side of the body

9. Difficulty swallowing

10. Loss of consciousness

Recognizing these signs early and acting quickly can save a life—possibly your own or someone you love.