9 Signs of Stroke That May Appear Up to 90 Days Before It Happens

A stroke is often thought of as a sudden, unpredictable medical emergency. While it’s true that strokes can happen without warning, research and clinical observations suggest that many people experience subtle warning signs weeks—or even months—before a major stroke occurs.

These early signs are easy to miss. They may come and go, feel mild, or be mistaken for stress, fatigue, or normal aging. But recognizing them early can make a life-changing difference.

This article explores nine potential warning signs of stroke that may appear up to 90 days beforehand, why they happen, and what to do if you or someone you care about experiences them.

Important note: These signs do not mean a stroke will definitely happen. They are signals that deserve medical attention. Early evaluation can reduce risk and save lives.

Why Early Stroke Warning Signs Matter

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells are extremely sensitive to changes in blood supply.

In many cases, the body sends warning signals before a major event occurs—often in the form of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or subtle neurological changes.

What Is a TIA?

A TIA is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Symptoms are temporary and resolve on their own, but they are serious warning signs that a full stroke may follow if risk factors are not addressed.