# 10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know to Take Prompt Action
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Because brain tissue can be damaged quickly, recognizing the warning signs and getting emergency help fast can make a major difference.
Stroke symptoms often appear **suddenly**. They may be mild or severe, and in some cases they can disappear after a few minutes. Even if symptoms go away, they may represent a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, which still requires urgent medical evaluation.
Here are 10 warning signs everyone should know.
## 1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness on One Side
One of the most common stroke warning signs is sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis affecting one side of the body.
This may involve:
