Strokes injure the brain, which makes it less likely that patients will recognize what is happening to them as a stroke unfolds. In addition, bystanders also may not be aware of what is happening. For this reason, people of all ages are urged to learn about the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of a stroke by a medical professional is crucial to limiting the potential damage associated with strokes. Strokes that are left untreated for too long can result in a loss of consciousness and death. It is important that anyone experiencing stroke-like symptoms seek emergency medical care, regardless of the degree or duration of symptoms.

Symptoms can vary according to the type of stroke experienced. However, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) lists several major general signs of strokes. All of these symptoms appear suddenly:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arms or legs
  
• Confusion
  
• Trouble speaking or understanding language (aphasia)
  
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes (vision loss)
  
• Difficulty walking
  
• Dizziness
  
• Loss of balance and coordination (ataxia)
  
• Severe headache (without a known cause)
  
• Paralysis of part of the body

The onset of symptoms of ischemic strokes may vary, depending on the subtype of ischemic stroke experienced. For example, the symptoms of an embolic stroke tend to appear suddenly, whereas the symptoms of a thrombotic stroke develop more gradually. The symptoms of both subtypes may include:

• Blindness in one eye or hearing problems in one ear
  
• Confusion
  
• Dizziness or loss of balance/coordination
  
• Nausea and/or vomiting
  
• Numbness or weakness on only one side of the body
  
• Seizures
  
• Severe (and blinding) headache similar to a migraine
  
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech

Hemorrhagic strokes tend to produce symptoms that appear suddenly and then continue to worsen. Both subtypes (cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage) produce similar symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Confusion
  
• Nausea and/or vomiting
  
• Pain upon looking at or into a light
  
• Painful or stiff neck
  
• Severe headache

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), or so-called "mini-strokes," occur when the blood flow to the brain is briefly and temporarily restricted. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to an ischemic stroke, but generally milder. Although TIAs were once considered relatively harmless, new studies have shown that TIAs can result in long-term brain damage.