Some people experience symptoms that can easily be mistaken for a less serious problem, potentially delaying emergency treatment. Experts say sudden vertigo, vision changes, unexplained vomiting, and even persistent hiccups can sometimes occur when a stroke affects certain parts of the brain.

Around 100,000 people have a stroke each year across England, Scotland, and Wales, according to NHS figures. The health service also warns that recognising symptoms quickly and calling 999 can improve access to specialist treatment.

Sudden Vertigo

Vertigo can make it feel as though the room is spinning or the world around you is moving. Although it is commonly linked to problems affecting the inner ear, sudden and severe vertigo can also occur when a stroke affects the brain stem or cerebellum.

It may be particularly concerning when vertigo appears alongside double vision, difficulty walking, poor coordination, or weakness on one side of the body.

A Thunderclap Headache

A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches peak intensity within seconds or about a minute should not simply be dismissed as a bad migraine.

A thunderclap headache can occur with a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a type of bleeding in or around the brain. Nausea, vomiting, numbness, or a stiff neck may accompany the headache.

Sudden Vision Changes

Blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of sight in one or both eyes, can also be a stroke warning sign.

Vision problems may occur when a stroke affects areas involved in processing sight. Sudden visual changes should therefore be treated as an emergency, particularly if they occur alongside other neurological symptoms.

Unexplained Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms with many possible causes, including stomach infections and digestive problems. But when they appear suddenly, are severe, and without an obvious explanation, they may occasionally be linked to a stroke.

The possibility becomes more concerning if vomiting occurs with vertigo, difficulty coordinating movements, weakness, or double vision.

Persistent Hiccups

Most hiccups are harmless and disappear on their own. However, persistent hiccups can rarely occur with a stroke affecting the brain stem, including a condition known as Wallenberg syndrome.

Hiccups accompanied by dizziness, balance problems, nausea, or difficulty swallowing warrant urgent medical assessment.

Sudden Confusion or Clumsiness

A stroke can cause an abrupt change in mental status, making someone suddenly confused, disoriented, or unable to follow a conversation. The key warning sign is the sudden change from normal behaviour.

Likewise, a person may suddenly start dropping objects, fumbling with buttons, bumping into things, or walking differently. A smaller stroke can affect coordination without causing obvious muscle weakness.

What to Do

The most important clue is sudden onset. Stroke symptoms can include weakness or numbness on one side, speech difficulties, confusion, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe headaches.

If you or someone else develops these symptoms suddenly, call 999 immediately. Do not wait to see whether they improve or attempt to drive to hospital yourself.

Symptoms that disappear after a few minutes or hours could indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which can precede a full stroke and still requires urgent medical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are some uncommon symptoms of a stroke?
    Uncommon symptoms of a stroke can include sudden vertigo, unexplained nausea, persistent hiccups, sudden vision changes, and clumsiness.
  • Why is it important to recognise stroke symptoms quickly?
    Recognising stroke symptoms quickly is crucial because it allows for timely medical intervention, which can improve access to specialist treatment and potentially reduce the severity of the stroke's impact.
  • What should you do if you suspect someone is having a stroke?
    If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 999 immediately for emergency medical assistance. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve or attempt to drive to the hospital yourself.
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