3. Muscle Stiffness
Muscle stiffness or spasticity is a common sign of stroke which limits coordination and movement due to the cramping of arm and leg muscles. When the brain is damaged from the lack of oxygen caused by a block in the blood vessel supplying it, messages to the muscles become impaired, resulting in muscle spasm. These spasms can produce a tightening of the fist, bending of the elbow, stiffening of the knee, pointing of the foot, and clawing of the fingers. Observing this in a person could mean that he is suffering from a stroke and might need immediate help.
