Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common signs of a stroke, but they are not the only signs. Other signs of stroke may include one, or a combination of:
weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body;
difficulty speaking or understanding;
dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall;
loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes;
headache — usually severe and abrupt onset, or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches;
difficulty swallowing.
The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination and they can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear.
When symptoms disappear within 24 hours, this episode may be a mini stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).
If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.
