Warning signs that a stroke is threatening you.

A person is in the high-risk group.strokeif affectedhigh blood pressureRisk factors include heart disease, diabetes, smoking or lack of exercise, obesity, and older age. Knowing the warning signs can help you prevent and minimize the impact of stroke.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states: "In a stroke, every minute counts. Prompt treatment reduces the brain damage a stroke can cause. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke allows you to act quickly and save a life."

Sudden numbness or weakness

You may experience sudden numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of your body. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. When deprived of oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die.

People who have had a stroke will have difficulty speaking. (Illustrative image)

The brain regions affected by a stroke cause negative effects. For example, the brain region that regulates sensation is affected, leading to numbness.

Temporary confusion or difficulty speaking

Memory loss symptoms due to transient ischemic attacks are usually temporary and vary depending on the brain region affected. Patients with short-term memory loss will have vivid memories from long ago, but will have difficulty remembering events of the present.

Vision loss in one or both eyes

After a stroke, you may have difficulty processing images or understanding what you see. The most common visual problem after a stroke affects your perception of your surroundings.

Loss of balance

You may experience dizziness, loss of balance, or uncoordinated movements of your limbs. If a stroke occurs in the cerebellum or brainstem, the areas in the brain that control balance, you will experience dizziness. You may feel like the world around you is moving or spinning.

Severe headache of no apparent cause.

Headaches are a symptom of many illnesses, including stroke. (Illustration: Hawaiipacifichealth)

During a stroke, blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off. The cells there don't receive enough oxygen and begin to die. This can be due to a blocked blood vessel leading to a blood clot, or a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding in and around the brain. This results in a sudden headache.

What to do if you suspect you or someone you know is having a stroke.

The CDC states that treatments are most effective if a stroke is detected within 3 hours of the first symptoms. If you think someone might be having a stroke, take this simple FAST test:

F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Is one side of their face drooping?

A (Arms) - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm slide down?

S (Speech) - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Do they have a speech impediment?

T (Time): If you see any of the signs above, call emergency services immediately.