Many people believe strokes occur without warning, but in some cases, the body gives advance signals — sometimes even weeks before the actual event. Recognizing these early signs can be life-saving and prevent long-term damage. One common early symptom is weakness or numbness on one side of the body, such as tingling in the arm, leg, face, or hand. While easy to dismiss as fatigue or a pinched nerve, it could mean reduced blood flow to the brain.

Sudden changes in vision, like blurriness, double vision, or brief blindness in one or both eyes, can also be warning signs that a stroke may be imminent.These changes might come and go, which is why they’re often ignored. Severe headaches that feel different from your usual ones—especially when paired with nausea, neck stiffness, or sensitivity to light—can also indicate an oncoming stroke.