Signs That Might Save a Life From Stroke

21. Sudden Numbness or Weakness in the Tongue

A stroke can present with a very specific form of numbness or weakness that is often overlooked. If you suddenly feel that one side of your tongue is numb, or you have trouble moving it, it could be a sign of a stroke. This occurs because the cranial nerves that control the tongue’s movement and sensation are affected by a lack of blood flow to the brainstem. This can make speaking, swallowing, or even tasting difficult. While it might seem minor, this very specific, unilateral symptom is a strong indicator of a neurological event and should be considered a medical emergency.

22. The Sudden Inability to Read or Write

A person suffering a stroke might suddenly lose the ability to read or write, a condition known as alexia and agraphia, respectively. This is not about being illiterate; it is a profound and abrupt loss of the brain’s ability to process and comprehend written language. You might hand someone a book, and they stare at the words as if they are a foreign language, or they may try to write their name and find they can't form the letters. This is a direct sign that the parts of the brain responsible for language and visual processing have been impacted, and it requires immediate medical intervention.