Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEmergency Signs of a StrokeOther Stroke SymptomsOther Medical Conditions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Emergency Signs of a Stroke
Other Stroke Symptoms
Other Medical Conditions
The most common symptoms of stroke, including facial drooping, arm or leg numbness or weakness, and speech difficulties, are actually very similar to those of other medical conditions.
Strokesoccur when the blood supply to any region of the brain is interrupted or reduced. They can causebrain damagein the form of long-lasting physical handicaps and difficulty with communication and thinking.
However, there are other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. If you suspect a stroke or are experiencing any stroke-like symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency medical help.
This article explains common and rare signs of a stroke and explains conditions that may look like a stroke.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The acronym FAST (Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time) is commonly used to help persons recognize and detect the early signs of a stroke.
Facial Drooping
Facial drooping (or weakness) can be a very concerning symptom, as it is one of the hallmark signs of a stroke. If you or someone else has facial drooping or facial numbness, it is important to get urgent medical attention right away.
Arm Weakness
Sudden weakness or numbness in only one arm or shoulder is a common sign of stroke. The muscles may become limp and feel heavy. When lifting both arms at the same time, the affected arm may drift downward.
Speech Difficulty
Someone experiencing a stroke may suddenly have trouble speaking. Their speech may be slurred or they may have difficulty repeating a simple sentence.
Time To Call 911
If you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke call 911 immediately or rush to your nearest emergency room. The sooner a stroke can be diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.
Stroke symptoms can vary from person to person. The following are other symptoms to look out for.
Numbness
Confusion
Confusion is a common side effect of stroke. A stroke can affect memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities.
Dizziness
Some types of stroke can cause dizziness orvertigo, a sensation of spinning. Dizziness symptoms may vary in severity and duration.
Vision Problems
Approximately two thirds of people experience vision problems after stroke. This may include:
Trouble With Balance and Walking
Because a stroke often causes weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, it can cause issues with balance and walking. Other symptoms like dizziness or vertigo may also affect balance.
Headache
A sudden and severe headache with no known cause may be other sign of stroke.
Stroke symptoms often occur suddenly, though it is possible for them to develop over hours or even days.
Medical Conditions That Look Like a Stroke
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity. Although most people are familiar with the type of seizures that cause unconsciousness and violent body shakes (grand mal seizures), there are other types of seizures that resemble strokes andtransientischemicattacks(TIA). Sometimes seizures do not involve shaking episodes or unconsciousness, but instead can produce less dramatic stroke-like symptoms, such as weakness in one arm or leg or lack of alertness.
There are a number of similarities anddifferences between a stroke and a seizure, and as such it could take your healthcare provider a little while to determine whether you suffered from a mild seizure or a stroke.
Migraine Headaches
Virus
The dizziness associated with a viral infection (like a stomach virus) can be the same level of dizziness one might feel as a result of a stroke. Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience sudden or persistent dizziness.
Due to the range ofmedical illnesses that can cause dizziness, it could take some time and testing before your healthcare provider is able to figure out the true cause of your dizziness.
Bell’s Palsy
While it is often associated with stroke, sudden facial weakness can be the sign of a fairly common condition calledBell’s Palsy. This condition usually just affects one side of the face.
Other symptoms of Bell’s palsy may include:
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, though it’s thought to be be linked to inflammation of the facial nerve. Bell’s Palsy improves on its own, but you might need some medication to help you as you recover.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Neuropathy
Nerve tingling can be the sign of a stroke, but it also may be the sign of a condition called neuropathy, a condition involving damage or dysfunction of the nerves.
Health conditions that may cause neuropathy include diabetes, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiencies, trauma, drugs, and more. Other symptoms of neuropathy may include pain and numbness.
While stroke and neuropathy share some symptoms, it is important to know that a stroke is a medical emergency while neuropathy is not. The medical treatment for neuropathy is also completely different from that of a stroke and generally involves treating the underlying cause of nerve damage.
Summary
Emergency signs of a stroke may include facial drooping, weakness (usually on one side of the body), difficulty talking, and more. That said, not all neurological symptoms are an indication of serious disease, but if you do experience stroke-like symptoms it is important to seek medical attention right away.
In fact, even the most highly trained medical professionals will often spend time carefully evaluating your problem before concluding that it is not serious, because the consequences of a real neurological emergency can be quite significant.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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