What is one sign that indicates a patient may have a hemorrhagic stroke?

A severe headache, often described as a "thunderclap headache," is a classic sign of a hemorrhagic stroke. This type of headache is characterized by its sudden onset and intense severity, distinguishing it from typical headaches. This symptom arises due to the abrupt increase in intracranial pressure caused by blood leaking into the brain or surrounding tissues, leading to irritation of the meninges.

Other symptoms associated with hemorrhagic strokes can include changes in consciousness, focal neurological deficits, and sometimes nausea and vomiting due to irritation of the brain or increased intracranial pressure. While weakness in an arm, difficulty in speaking, and nausea and vomiting can be signs of various types of strokes, they are not specific to or as indicative of a hemorrhagic stroke as the severe headache. The prominence of the thunderclap headache serves as a key diagnostic indicator prompting further evaluation for a potential hemorrhagic event.