Trouble Speaking

warning signs of stroke - trouble speaking

What the victim might feel:

“I was trying to tell my wife what has happening…I couldn’t form the words. It was like I’d forgotten how to speak. I knew what I wanted to say but I couldn’t. It was scary.”

What the observer might see:

“He kept looking at me in this helpless way and trying to talk. I got very frightened, told him to stay calm, and called 911.”

What the Healthcare Professional might say:

“He was unable to communicate clearly to us what he was feeling. His speech was slurred, he was drooling and he was very confused. He was having difficulty understanding what was being said to him. His wife was a great help in identifying his other symptoms.”

Not all individuals experience the same signs of stroke, or experience them in the same way. Stroke signs usually appear suddenly and without warning, and they may not last for a long time, so knowing the signs helps you recognize and react quickly. You may not be aware you are having a stroke unless you know these signs. Trouble speaking is one of the five warning signs of stroke. Disorientation, confusion about what is being said, difficulty articulating, facial paralysis, drooling – these are all symptoms of stroke. On its own, trouble speaking can be an indicator, but if also accompanied by other signs such as weakness, vision problems, headache, and/or dizziness, the likelihood of stroke is strong.

A stroke is a medical emergency. It deprives the brain of oxygen-carrying blood, which kills brain cells at an alarming rate. Every minute is critical. Learning to recognize the signs of stroke may save a life – it could be yours, or someone you love. Call 911 immediately. Medical attention can lead to better chances of survival and recovery.