Which of the following is a symptom of a stroke?

• A. Weakness or paralysis
• B. Cough with fever
• C. Joint pain
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body is a classic sign of a stroke. When a stroke disrupts blood flow to parts of the brain that control movement, the affected side can become weak or go limp almost immediately. This abrupt onset is what makes weakness or paralysis the best indicator among common symptoms, and it distinguishes stroke from other conditions.

The other options don’t fit as stroke signs: coughing with fever suggests infection or respiratory illness; joint pain points to a musculoskeletal issue; nausea is a nonspecific symptom that can accompany many conditions but isn’t a defining stroke sign. If you ever notice sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding, treat it as an emergency and seek help immediately—time matters for stroke treatment.