Weakness on one side of the body is a sign of

• A. Headache
• B. Dizziness
• C. Weakness on one side of the body
• D. Nausea

Answer: (C)

Unilateral weakness signals a neurological deficit, most often a stroke. When one side of the body is suddenly weak, it suggests the brain areas that control movement on the opposite side are affected by disrupted blood flow or injury. This is an emergency—seek urgent medical help to determine if a stroke is occurring and to start appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Headache, dizziness, and nausea can occur with many conditions and are not as specific to a neurological event as unilateral weakness. The presence of weakness on one side makes stroke a primary concern and drives the priority for rapid evaluation.