What are the symptoms of a stroke

[Marlenap]

What are things to look for when someone maybe having a stroke. I have a friend that wakes up with his arm being numb and when he caugh's he has sharp pains going up that same arm.

[Banned1]

The first three letters of stroke are S.T.R.  
Smile - An uneven or droopy smile is a warning sign
Talk - Slurred speech is a warning sign
Raise Both Arms Above Your Head - If you are unable to do this, that is a warning sign
Stick Out Your Tongue - If your tongue is twisted, that is a warning sign

Visit the stroke websites or health forums (such as this one) for detailed information:
www.webmd.com/stroke/default.htm
stroke.ahajournals.org
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/knowstroke.htm

I hope your friend is okay!  All the best and have a wonderful weekend,

[Dr Santos]

Hi Marlenap,
How are you?  How is your friend? Stroke warning signs are clues your body sends that your brain is not receiving enough oxygen. This includes: sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Other important, but less common symptoms of stroke include: sudden nausea, fever, and vomiting , brief loss of consciousness or period of decreased consciousness (fainting, confusion, convulsions or coma).

I hope this helps. Take care and regards.