Advertisement
Health TopicsBrain and Nervous SystemStroke
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
Could you have a stroke and not know it?
Could you have a stroke and not know it?
Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Every three to four mi...
Read More
A simple, low-impact way to reduce stroke risk
A simple, low-impact way to reduce stroke risk
Your body's ability to prevent a stroke could be greatly enhanced if you made one change to your daily routine. The change? Get moving. Doing moderate...
Read More
How sodium intake affects your heart and brain
How sodium intake affects your heart and brain
Wondering if you should cut back on salt? Studies suggest it could do good things for your heart and brain. In a 2022 study published in the Journal o...
Read More

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.