A stroke can appear to strike without warning, but in reality, the body often sends early signals weeks before the event. Recognizing these subtle symptoms can make a life-saving difference. Many people overlook signs like persistent headaches, dizziness, or numbness, brushing them off as stress or fatigue. However, these issues can indicate reduced blood flow to the brain—a major red flag for an impending stroke.

One of the most telling signs is sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body. If your arm, leg, or face feels heavy or unresponsive, it’s not something to ignore. Vision problems, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding conversations are also serious indicators that the brain might be under stress. Even symptoms that seem unrelated—like ongoing hiccups, trouble swallowing, or unexplained pain in the face or limbs—can be early signs, particularly in women.

Mental confusion, extreme fatigue, and heart palpitations are other warnings that should not be overlooked. These symptoms may point to reduced oxygen flow to the brain or irregular blood circulation—both of which increase stroke risk. If multiple symptoms are present at once, especially if they appear suddenly or without cause, it’s time to take action.

Preventing a stroke begins with a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol can drastically reduce your risk. If symptoms do arise, remember the FAST method: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.

In short, early detection is critical. Understanding and watching for stroke symptoms up to a month in advance gives you or your loved ones a better chance at preventing a devastating health crisis. Stay alert, act quickly, and share this knowledge—it could save a life.