Select a point to learn about symptoms of a TIA or stroke that affect that part of the body.

• Head

  Headache: Headaches associated with a TIA or stroke are usually sudden and severe. Along with the headache, you may also have a stiff neck, pain in your face or between your eyes, and you may vomit or pass out.

• Head

  Confusion, trouble understanding, or loss of memory: You may suddenly feel confused or not understand what people are saying to you. You may also have memory problems.

• Head

  Changes in personality, mood, or emotions: You may experience sudden changes in the way you feel. Or, others may notice a sudden shift in your personality.

• Head

  Changes in alertness: You may suddenly feel very sleepy. Or, you may become less responsive to others around you, or even pass out.

• Eyes

  Vision changes: You may start seeing double or “blackened” vision. Your eyesight may be blurry. Or, you may lose all or part of your vision.

• Ears

  Changes in hearing: You may experience sudden changes in your ability to identify sounds and distinguish them from other sounds.

• Cheek

  Drooping face: One side of your face may seem to droop down.

• Cheek

  Facial pain: You may experience pain in your face along with a sudden, severe headache.

• Mouth

  Problems with speaking: You, or others around you, may notice that you're slurring your speech or that you can't seem to find the right words to explain what you're feeling (called aphasia).

• Mouth

  Problems with swallowing: You may suddenly find it difficult to swallow, or things may begin to taste different than usual.

• Neck

  Stiff neck: Your neck may suddenly feel stiff. The stiffness may come along with a sudden, severe headache.

• Arms

  One-sided paralysis, weakness, or numbness: You may suddenly feel numb or weak on one side of your body. Or, you may not be able to move that side. A good test of this is to try to raise both of your arms over your head. If one arm falls, you may be having a TIA or stroke.

• Hand

  Changes in sensation: You may have a sudden change in the way you feel sensations such as touch, pain, temperature, or pressure. Or, you may not be able to recognize what you're feeling (called agnosia).

• Hand

  Problems using your hands: You may suddenly feel clumsy, or find it difficult to perform tasks such as writing.

• Bladder/bowels

  Loss of bowel or bladder control: You may suddenly lose control over your bladder or bowels.

• Leg

  Problems with walking: You may suddenly feel weak or numb on one side of your body. Or, you may feel dizzy, clumsy, and uncoordinated, or like you're moving (called vertigo). You may also stumble or lose your balance.