also affect thinking and comprehension.
Someone may suddenly:
* Become confused
* Have difficulty following instructions
* Seem disoriented
* Struggle to understand speech
* Give inappropriate answers to simple questions
Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech is recognized as a stroke warning sign.
A sudden change in mental status should be taken seriously, particularly in an older adult or someone with cardiovascular risk factors.
## 8. A Sudden Severe Headache
A sudden severe headache with no known cause can sometimes occur during a stroke, particularly a hemorrhagic stroke.
It may:
* Begin abruptly
* Feel unusually intense
*
