Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. More young people are affected by stroke, especially in low and middle-income countries. Recognizing the warning signs and taking quick action can save a life.

Knowing these signs and acting can mean the difference between life and death.

Here are five critical signs of stroke you should know. What is a stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency that strikes suddenly, often with devastating consequences. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a 'mini stroke,' involves a brief blockage of blood flow. Though these symptoms usually resolve within minutes or hours, a TIA can be an early warning sign of a more serious stroke.Sudden numbness or weaknessSudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, is a crucial sign of stroke. This numbness can affect the face, arm, or leg, and the person will find it difficult to move or feel. People may experience one side of the face drooping or find it difficult to lift an arm. These symptoms often appear without warning. If you notice someone unable to smile or raise both arms, don’t wait up act immediately.Trouble speaking or understanding Slurred speech or trouble understanding simple sentences is a red flag.

This is because, stroke can impair the brain’s language centers, leading to confusion or garbled words. This difficulty in speech may affect something as simple as a basic phrase like “the sky is blue.” People tend to mistake this symptom for intoxication. If speech suddenly becomes slurred, immediately seek help. Trouble seeing

Vision changes, often sudden, are a sign of stroke. It can cause blurriness, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.

This may appear as a curtain dropping over one eye or difficulty seeing out of one side. If vision changes occur, consider them an emergency.Severe headache

A sharp and sudden headache is a crucial sign of stroke. People describe this headache as the worst ever. If it’s accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, do not wait. This sign is common in hemorrhagic strokes, where a blood vessel bursts in the brain. Though headaches appear often, this in particular strikes without a clear trigger.

If the headache feels unusually intense, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Loss of balance or coordinationSudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of coordination are crucial signs of a stroke affecting the cerebellum or brainstem. These signs could cause a person to stumble, feel unsteady, or struggle to pick up objects. These symptoms can appear alongside others, like numbness or speech issues. There are chances of these symptoms affecting a person’s ability to walk straight or feel off-balance.If any of these signs appear, call emergency services immediately. Because every minute counts.