What is a common symptom of a stroke?

A sudden headache is a common symptom of a stroke, particularly in cases of hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. This headache is often described as a "thunderclap" headache, meaning it appears suddenly and is extremely severe. Other symptoms of stroke, which may accompany the headache, include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion, difficulty speaking, and trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

While persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, and increased appetite can be associated with various medical conditions, they are not hallmark symptoms of a stroke. Difficulty swallowing, for example, can occur in stroke patients but is more commonly related to issues with swallowing mechanisms rather than a primary symptom of a stroke itself. Therefore, identifying a sudden headache as a key symptom helps in recognizing and responding to a potential stroke urgently, which is vital for timely medical intervention.