5 early warning signs of a stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency where every minute counts. Knowing all the signs of a stroke — from the typical to the more subtle — can help you act quickly.

You might be aware of the classic signs of a stroke, which include:

• Facial drooping
• Arm weakness
• Difficulty speaking
• Impaired vision or dizziness
• Loss of coordination

There are other, early warning signs that you probably don't associate with stroke. Here's what to look for according to the experts at Mayo Clinic:

• Headaches, especially if they're unusually severe
• Difficulty walking
• Exhaustion or generalized weakness
• Fuzzy thinking or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting, especially if there's no accompanying illness

Pay careful attention if these warning signs occur suddenly and can't be explained by other causes. It's also important to know if you're in a high-risk category for stroke. These categories include:

• Age. People age 55 or older have a higher risk of stroke than do younger people.
• Race. African Americans have a higher risk of stroke than do people of other races.
• Health history. People with a personal or family history of stroke or people who have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease are at increased risk.
• Sex. Men have a higher risk of stroke than do women. However, women are more likely to show subtle signs of a stroke.
• Hormones. People who are taking birth control pills or hormone therapies that include estrogen are more likely to have a stroke.

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you're with begins experiencing any of the classic or subtle signs of a stroke.