A stroke can cause paralysis or loss of consciousness. Sometimes it is detected by one of the following signs:

• dizziness and sudden loss of balance;
• sudden numbness, loss of feeling, or paralysis of the face, arm, leg, or side of the body;
• confusion, sudden difficulty speaking or understanding;
• sudden loss of sight or blurred vision in one eye;
• a sudden headache, of exceptional intensity, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
• in all cases, emergency services should be contacted as quickly as possible.