A stroke usually does not give a predictable set of warning signs exactly one month beforehand. However, some people experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—sometimes called a warning stroke—before a major stroke. TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms and can disappear quickly, but they still require urgent medical assessment. CDC+1

1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—particularly on one side of the body—is a major warning sign.

2. Temporary Facial Drooping

One side of the face may suddenly feel numb or appear to droop. Even if it returns to normal after a few minutes, it should not be ignored.

3. Sudden Speech Problems

Temporary slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or trouble understanding what someone is saying can occur during a TIA or stroke.

4. Sudden Vision Changes

A temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, or double vision in one or both eyes can be a warning sign.

5. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance

Unexpected dizziness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination, or severe balance problems can occur with a TIA or stroke.

6. Sudden Severe Headache

A sudden, severe headache with no obvious cause can be a stroke warning sign, particularly when accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

7. Brief Confusion

Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding what is happening can indicate a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain.

8. Symptoms That Disappear

This is particularly important. A person may experience stroke-like symptoms that disappear after several minutes. That does not make them harmless. A TIA is a medical emergency and can signal an increased risk of a subsequent stroke. CDC+1

9 Tips to Help Prevent Stroke

1. Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most important modifiable stroke risk factors. Have your blood pressure checked regularly and follow your healthcare professional’s treatment plan if it is elevated. CDC+1

2. Don’t Smoke

Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk. Quitting can substantially improve cardiovascular health.

3. Stay Physically Active

Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight—all factors associated with stroke risk. CDC

4. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and other minimally processed foods. Limiting excess sodium, saturated fat, and highly processed foods can help manage cardiovascular risk factors. CDC

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight can increase the likelihood of high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions that raise stroke risk.

6. Manage Diabetes

High blood glucose can damage blood vessels over time. If you have diabetes, work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar and other cardiovascular risk factors.

7. Keep Cholesterol Under Control

High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. Have your cholesterol checked and follow your clinician’s recommendations when treatment is needed.

8. Limit Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and stroke risk. Limiting alcohol—or avoiding it—is an important part of cardiovascular risk reduction. www.stroke.org

9. Take Prescribed Medicines Correctly

If you’re prescribed medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, or another stroke risk factor, take it as directed. Don’t stop or change medication without discussing it with your healthcare professional. CDC+1

Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.

If symptoms suddenly appear, think:

• B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

• E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes

• F — Face: One side of the face droops

• A — Arms: One arm becomes weak or numb

• S — Speech: Speech becomes slurred or difficult

• T — Time: Call emergency medical services immediately

Don’t wait to see whether symptoms improve. Even if the symptoms disappear, urgent medical evaluation is still necessary because it could have been a TIA. CDC+1

Bottom Line

There is no reliable list of eight symptoms that predicts a stroke exactly one month in advance. The most important “warning” is a sudden neurological episode that may represent a TIA. Recognizing those symptoms quickly and addressing blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, physical activity, diet, and other risk factors can help reduce stroke risk.