An ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke, occurs when a blood clot or other obstruction blocks blood flow to the brain. When this happens, brain cells quickly begin to die, making it a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. According to the American Stroke Association, ischemic stroke accounts for 87% of all strokes. Recognizing the warning signs can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Scroll down to learn the five key symptoms of an ischemic stroke that you should never ignore.

Sudden Weakness or Numbness in the Face, Arm, or Leg, Primarily on One Side of the Body

One of the hallmark signs of an ischemic stroke is sudden weakness or numbness. This often affects one side of the body, making it difficult to move or feel in areas such as the face, arm, or leg. For example:

Drooping on one side of the face, making it hard to smile.
An inability to lift one arm or keep it raised.
Numbness that feels like pins and needles but persists.

This symptom occurs because the blocked blood flow impacts the brain areas responsible for motor function and sensation. If you notice these changes in yourself or someone else, seek medical help immediately.

Confusion, Difficulty Speaking, or Trouble Understanding Speech

When blood flow is interrupted in the brain, the areas responsible for language processing can be severely affected. This results in symptoms such as:

Slurred speech.
Struggling to find the right words.
Difficulty understanding conversations.

Doctors explain that these issues are often sudden and can range from mild to severe. Even a brief episode of confusion or garbled speech should not be ignored, as it could indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke,” which can precede a larger, more severe stroke.

Sudden Vision Problems in One or Both Eyes

Blurred or double vision, partial blindness, or complete loss of vision can occur during an ischemic stroke. This happens because the brain areas controlling vision may lose their blood supply. A person may:

Struggle to see clearly out of one or both eyes.
Experience a sudden loss of peripheral vision.
See flashing lights or unusual patterns.

These vision disturbances can appear suddenly and might only last a short time. Nevertheless, they are a red flag that should prompt immediate medical attention.

Difficulty Walking, Loss of Balance, or Dizziness

The brain’s coordination centers can be disrupted during a stroke, resulting in difficulty walking, balancing, or standing. Signs to watch for include:

Feeling unsteady, as if the ground is moving.
Staggering or leaning to one side while walking.
Sudden dizziness or vertigo.

These symptoms often come on suddenly and can make simple tasks like standing or turning nearly impossible. Hence, it’s vital to take them seriously, as they could signify an ongoing ischemic stroke.

Severe Headache Without a Known Cause

A sudden, intense headache can sometimes accompany an ischemic stroke. While headaches are more common in hemorrhagic strokes, a severe headache that appears without warning or explanation may still occur in an ischemic stroke. Look out for:

A headache described as the “worst ever.”
Pain that doesn’t go away with usual remedies.
Accompanying symptoms like nausea, confusion, or visual disturbances.

This type of headache should never be ignored, especially if it appears alongside other stroke symptoms.

Acting FAST Could Save a Life

Doctors recommend using the FAST method to quickly assess stroke symptoms:

Face: Does one side of the face droop when smiling?
Arms: Is one arm weaker or unable to be lifted?
Speech: Is speech slurred or garbled?
Time: Call emergency services immediately if you notice these signs.

The faster treatment is started, the better the chances of recovery. Ischemic strokes can often be treated with clot-dissolving medications or other interventions if addressed within a critical time window, typically within three to four hours.

If you or someone else experiences even one of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call emergency services immediately. Early intervention can save lives and reduce the chances of permanent damage.