title: Stroke warning signs.
abstract: People with minor stroke (known as transient ischaemic attack) tend to under-estimate the long-term impact on their health. Modifiable risk factors include hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, carotid artery stenosis, physical inactivity and obesity. Stroke warning signs include sudden paralysis; weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg; sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes; difficulty speaking or understanding simple statements; dizziness; and sudden intense headache. Recognising stroke warning signs is crucial for effective stroke management but people often fail to recognise the signs and are unaware that stroke is a medical emergency. The longer the person waits to call for help, the greater the risk of a severe stroke causing death or long-term disability.