It is one of the most common causes of death and occurs a good 280,000 times a year in Germany. At first glance, the signs usually seem harmless - and many of those affected often do not show any pronounced symptoms, but only individual complaints. Here are the most common ones.

1 Headache

The first sign is often an almost unbearable pounding, throbbing and stabbing in the head. The pain mainly occurs when the patient's blood pressure has risen rapidly. This is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

2 Visual disturbances

Blurred vision, double vision or even temporary loss of vision in one eye can be warning signs of a stroke. In some people, the field of vision is restricted. They then overlook objects that are in their left or right field of vision or have tunnel vision.

3 Paralysis

Numbness in the face and paralysis of the limbs are further symptoms. A drooping corner of the mouth, a lame arm or a numb foot are typical. If the left side of the body is affected, this indicates a stroke in the right side of the brain - and vice versa.

4 Speech disorders

The affected person suddenly speaks very indistinctly, haltingly and choppily. Syllables or letters are often twisted or whole words are repeated. In severe cases, a patient may not be able to speak at all.

5 Dizziness

Some sufferers feel as if they are riding a merry-go-round, while for others the ground seems to sway like a ship on a stormy sea. The feeling of hurtling downwards as if in an elevator can also be a sign of a stroke. Loss of balance and disorientation are often additional symptoms.