Stroke

Dizziness can be a symptom of stroke, although it is not always present. When dizziness occurs as a result of a stroke, it may be accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden severe headache, and loss of coordination or balance.

Dizziness associated with stroke can have various underlying causes, including disruption of blood flow to the brain due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding into the brain tissue (hemorrhagic stroke). Depending on the location and extent of the brain injury, dizziness may occur as a result of damage to structures involved in balance and spatial orientation, such as the brainstem, cerebellum, or vestibular nuclei.

It's important to note that dizziness can also be caused by other medical conditions unrelated to stroke, such as inner ear disorders, vestibular migraines, or benign positional vertigo. Therefore, if you or someone else experiences sudden or severe dizziness, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms suggestive of stroke, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the acronym FAST to recognize and respond to stroke symptoms:

F: Face drooping

A: Arm weakness

S: Speech difficulty

T: Time to call emergency services