Does having a stroke hurt?

Generally, a stroke itself does not cause physical pain in the brain, but patients often feel a sudden, severe headache or confusion. However, the real danger is numbness or loss of movement, which requires immediate emergency care rather than waiting to see if it hurts.

I agree, most people don't feel acute pain, but rather a strange numbness on one side of the face or arm. If you notice this, please don't wait for pain to start and call an ambulance right away.

Usually, there is no pain except occasionally a very intense headache. The critical thing to remember is the FAST rule—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Don't waste time checking if they are in pain; rush to the hospital.

My grandfather had a stroke and he didn't feel any pain, just sudden dizziness and slurred speech. I get so anxious whenever my arm feels numb; does anyone else worry about silent strokes like this?