Advertisement
question

How painful is a stroke?

SecondsCount.org
SecondsCount.org
answer

A stroke may not be painful, but do not let that stop you from getting help. Dial 911 if you are having any of the following sudden symptoms:

  • A feeling of numbness or weakness in your face, arm, or leg. (You might notice it on one side more than the other.)
  • Vision problems in one or both eyes
  • Dizziness or loss of balance; difficulty walking
  • Confusion
  • Problems speaking or understanding what other people are saying
  • Severe headaches without warning or explanation

A stroke is a medical emergency that can result in death or permanent disability. If you go to an emergency room and it turns out not to be a stroke, that is cause for celebration, not embarrassment.

Continue Learning about Stroke

How to respond to the signs of a stroke
How to respond to the signs of a stroke
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in adults in the United States. Stroke takes the lives of more than 165,000...
Read More
The science behind broken heart syndrome
The science behind broken heart syndrome
When 62-year-old Joanie Simpson woke up with a serious backache and chest pain following the death of her beloved Yorkshire terrier, she assumed she w...
Read More
Is it a headache or a stroke?
Is it a headache or a stroke?
When you get a headache, you might take aspirin and try to shrug it off. But sometimes a headache is a sign of something more serious—like a stroke, a...
Read More
5 ways to lower your stroke risk now
5 ways to lower your stroke risk now5 ways to lower your stroke risk now5 ways to lower your stroke risk now5 ways to lower your stroke risk now
About 80 percent of strokes are preventable—if you make little changes to your day. Learn about these five easy ways to reduce stroke risk and get hea...
Start Slideshow

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.