Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with a stroke?

Severe headache is not typically associated with a stroke when considering the classic presentation of ischemic strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The symptoms of a stroke commonly involve sudden neurological deficits, which include unilateral weakness, facial droop, and slurred speech, all of which arise from disruptions in blood flow to particular areas of the brain.

While some stroke patients may experience headache, particularly in cases of hemorrhagic stroke or if there is increased intracranial pressure, the sudden onset of severe headache is more indicative of conditions such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage or other forms of intracranial bleeding. In ischemic strokes, the hallmark signs are more focused on weakness, speech difficulties, and facial asymmetry rather than headache.