Every stroke is different. The symptoms you have depend on the part of the brain damaged by the stroke. Symptoms may come on suddenly. Some warning signs are:

• You may feel weak or numb on one side of the body. You may feel tingling in your face, arm, or leg.
• You may feel dizzy or lose your balance. You may have trouble walking.
• You may not be able to speak. You may have a hard time understanding what others say.
• You may be confused or have a change in personality.
• You may have trouble seeing in one or both eyes or have double vision.
• You have a hard time moving your muscles. It may be hard to swallow or move your arms and legs.
• You may lose bowel or bladder control.
• You may have a severe headache.
• You may faint.

If you have any of the symptoms of a stroke, call 911 and go to an emergency room right away. Every minute counts.

Your doctor will be able to tell you if it is a stroke. These tests likely will be done:

• Lab tests of your blood.
• A brain scan to try to find out if there is a stroke.
• Ultrasound scan of blood vessels in your neck.
• Special X-rays of blood vessels in your brain.
• A test called an ECG/EKG or an ECHO to see how your heart is working.