Strokes are a medical emergency that can strike suddenly and without warning. They occur when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage or a bleed. When this happens, brain cells can die within minutes, leading to devastating and often permanent damage. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and seeking medical attention immediately can make all the difference in the outcome. In this article, we will explore the early signs of stroke, causes of stroke, signs of a stroke before it happens, and how to prevent stroke.
Symptoms of a Stroke
Strokes can occur in people of any age and can have a wide range of symptoms, depending on the location of the affected brain tissue. However, there are some common signs to watch out for. The acronym FAST is a helpful way to remember the most common symptoms of a stroke:
- F: Face drooping or numbness, especially on one side
- A: Arm weakness or numbness, especially on one side
- S: Speech difficulty or slurred speech
- T: Time to call emergency services if any of these symptoms are present
Other symptoms of a stroke may include sudden confusion, difficulty seeing, severe headache, dizziness or loss of balance, and sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body. These symptoms can come on suddenly, often without warning, and may worsen rapidly.
Early Signs of Stroke
While the symptoms of a stroke can be sudden and severe, there are often warning signs in the days, weeks, or even months leading up to the event. Identifying these signs and seeking medical attention can prevent a stroke from occurring or reduce its severity.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the leading causes of stroke. When blood pressure is consistently elevated, it can damage the blood vessels in the brain, making them more prone to rupture or blockage. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly and taking steps to keep it within a healthy range can reduce your risk of stroke.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as “mini-strokes,” are brief episodes of stroke-like symptoms that last less than 24 hours. While the symptoms of a TIA usually resolve on their own, they are a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be imminent. TIAs are caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain and should be taken seriously. Seeking medical attention promptly after a TIA can help prevent a stroke from occurring.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition that affects the heart’s rhythm and can increase the risk of stroke. When the heart beats irregularly, blood can pool in the chambers of the heart and form clots. These clots can travel to the brain and cause a blockage, leading to a stroke. If you have atrial fibrillation, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to reduce your risk of stroke.
How to Prevent Stroke
While some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of stroke:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of stroke. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9.
- Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and low in saturated and trans fats can reduce your risk of stroke.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of stroke and many other health problems
- Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of stroke. Aim for no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
- Manage high blood pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it within a healthy range, such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and taking medication if prescribed.
- Manage diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke. Keeping your blood sugar levels under control can help reduce this risk.
- Treat atrial fibrillation: If you have atrial fibrillation, work with your doctor to manage the condition and reduce your risk of stroke.
This article is published and approved by Next New Steps medical editorial board.