A system and method for detecting stroke in an individual, and in particular a sleeping individual. The individual has sensors on a least one hand or wrist for detecting electrical and/or muscular activity. The sensors may be included in or on a glove or bracelet worn by the individual. The absence of electrical and/or muscular activity is indicative of a stroke, and when such absence is detected, an alert is raised. Absence of detecting electrical and/or muscular activity can be detected in only one hand and/or wrist to avoid false alarms from REM sleep which results in the absence of electrical and/or muscular activity in both hands.
