4. Weakness in a Leg or Arm
Many people who are experiencing a stroke will suddenly experience weakness in one of their arms or legs. This weakness will typically come on suddenly. A person having a stroke will often find that either an arm or leg or both the arm and a leg on one side of their body suddenly go numb or become paralyzed. Typically, the limb or limbs that are affected will be on the side of the body that is opposite from the side of the brain where the stroke has occurred.
One way to test this is to extend both of your arms straight up above your head with the palms up. If one of your arms begins to drift downward it is a sign of muscle weakness, which is a symptom of a stroke. Another test is to keep your eyes open and try to lift each of your legs separately.