CLINICAL PRESENTATION

The most common symptoms seen with stroke

These symptoms usually occur suddenly without warning. Most patients are going about their normal daily activities and suddenly notice:

• A weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg
• A change in the vision of one or both eyes that occur suddenly with no known cause
• A severe sudden headache that cannot be explained by any injury or other cause
• A quick onset of dizziness, loss of coordination/balance, or other problems walking
• A sudden problem talking or expressing thoughts and words

These are the most common signs and symptoms to be aware of and reasons to seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms most often affect only one side of the body but may affect both sides. If you see someone or you have any of these or other symptoms SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION - DO NOT “WAIT TO SEE IF IT GOES AWAY.”

Other symptoms that can occur

• A sudden loss of consciousness or moments of fainting or convulsions (seizures) without any know cause.
• Nausea, vomiting, or fever that occurs suddenly (within minutes or hours) that cannot be explained by any other

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for formal education or training. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

Last Updated: April 24, 2003