New Delhi, 09 August 2025: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. While symptoms like numbness, facial drooping, and speech difficulties are widely recognised, experts warn that some strokes present in unexpected ways.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), strokes claim over 6 million lives annually. The key to survival and recovery lies in early detection. Unfortunately, unusual warning signs are often dismissed or mistaken for minor health issues. Here are four surprising stroke symptoms you should never ignore.
1. Sudden Vision Changes in One or Both Eyes
Most people link vision problems to eye disorders, but they can also signal a stroke. If you suddenly experience blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight — especially in one eye — it could be a sign that a blood clot or narrowed artery is disrupting blood flow to the part of the brain that controls vision.
Why it happens:
A blockage in the ophthalmic artery or posterior cerebral artery can impair visual processing. These symptoms can last a few minutes (known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA) or be permanent if a full stroke occurs.
What to do:
Seek emergency medical help immediately. Even if the symptoms resolve quickly, TIAs are a warning that a major stroke could follow.
2. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance
Feeling dizzy occasionally isn’t alarming, but sudden, unexplained dizziness or difficulty walking could be an early stroke sign. If it happens alongside other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or a spinning sensation (vertigo), the risk is higher.
Why it happens:
Strokes affecting the cerebellum — the part of the brain responsible for balance and coordination — can cause these symptoms. In some cases, dizziness is the only warning sign.
What to do:
Don’t brush it off as dehydration or fatigue. If it appears suddenly, especially in someone with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of heart disease, it’s time to call emergency services.
3. Unexplained Hiccups
Hiccups may seem harmless, but in rare cases, they can indicate a stroke — particularly in women.
Why it happens:
The brain stem, which controls swallowing and breathing reflexes, can be affected during a stroke. Irritation to the phrenic or vagus nerve may trigger persistent hiccups. Women are more likely than men to experience this symptom before a stroke.
What to do:
If hiccups come on suddenly and are accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, chest discomfort, or weakness in the limbs, don’t ignore them. Seek immediate medical care.
4. Sudden Personality Changes or Confusion
If a loved one suddenly becomes irritable, aggressive, unusually quiet, or confused without a clear cause, a stroke could be to blame.
Why it happens:
When a stroke affects the frontal lobe — the area responsible for personality, judgment, and decision-making — it can cause dramatic mood swings, irrational behaviour, or difficulty understanding surroundings.
What to do:
Rapidly worsening confusion or behavioural changes should be treated as a medical emergency, especially in older adults or those with risk factors for stroke.
Recognising Stroke Risk Factors
While anyone can have a stroke, certain conditions raise the risk:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of stroke
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and attending regular health check-ups are essential preventive measures.
The Importance of Acting Fast
Doctors use the FAST method to identify a stroke:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
However, since not all strokes follow the “classic” signs, knowing these unusual symptoms could save a life.
Chest pain may grab attention, but it’s far from the only warning sign of a stroke. Unusual symptoms like sudden vision changes, dizziness, hiccups, or personality shifts can be your body’s way of sounding the alarm. The sooner you act, the better the chances of survival and recovery.
If you or someone you know experiences these signs, treat it as a medical emergency. In stroke care, every second counts — and recognising the unexpected could mean the difference between life and death.
