9 signs of stroke that may appear 90 days before it happens

1. Sudden, Brief Episodes of Weakness or Numbness

One of the earliest and most commonly overlooked signs is temporary weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body.

This may include:

• A heavy or weak arm
• Tingling or numbness in the face
• A leg that suddenly feels unsteady
• Brief loss of coordination

These episodes may last only minutes and then disappear, leading many people to dismiss them.

Why This Happens

Reduced blood flow to certain areas of the brain can temporarily disrupt nerve signals. Even short-lived episodes deserve immediate medical evaluation.

2. Short-Lived Speech Difficulties

Problems with speech that resolve quickly are often ignored, but they can be an important warning sign.

Watch for:

• Slurred speech
• Difficulty finding words
• Speaking more slowly than usual
• Trouble understanding simple sentences

If speech returns to normal after a short time, people often assume it was fatigue or stress—but it shouldn’t be ignored.