Early signs of stroke that you shouldn't miss
stroke A stroke is an acute condition that develops when the blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. Due to the interruption or reduction of blood flow, brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, which leads to brain damage and loss of function.
Stroke is one of the most urgent neurological conditions, in which timely response is crucial. Recognizing the symptoms and receiving prompt medical attention can significantly reduce the risk of brain damage and serious complications.
What is a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients, brain cells are damaged and their function is impaired.
There are two main types of stroke:
Ischemic stroke –It develops when a blood clot blocks blood flow in a blood vessel in the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke –It develops as a result of a ruptured blood vessel and bleeding in the brain.
The signs of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is damaged. So some people may have facial drooping and slurred speech, while others may have vision changes, dizziness, weakness, or loss of balance.
One of the main characteristics of a stroke is that its symptoms usually begin suddenly.
Key warning signs of stroke
The simple principle of FAST will help you quickly recognize the signs of a stroke:
F – Face: Facial asymmetry
Ask the person to smile.
Noteworthy:
- Lowering the corner of the mouth
- Weakness on one side of the face
- Uneven smile
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A – Arm: Arm weakness
Ask the person to extend both arms forward.
A possible sign is:
- One hand drop;
- Inability to raise the arm;
- Obvious weakness or numbness in one arm.
A person may describe their hand as feeling “heavy,” “not responding,” or having difficulty gripping objects.
S – Speech: Speech disorder
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
Noteworthy:
- Unclear conversation
- Difficulty finding words
- The problem of perceiving directed speech
- Pointless answers
T – Time: Act immediately
If you notice any symptoms, call an ambulance immediately.
When a stroke occurs, time is of the essence — the sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of reducing brain damage.
Other important signs of stroke
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- During a stroke, one side of the body is often affected.
A person may suddenly experience:
- Marked limitation of arm or leg movement
- Numbness of the face, hands, or feet
- Decreased/loss of sensitivity
- Loss of ability to stand and move
It is important to note that symptoms can be either severe or mild.
Sudden loss of vision
Stroke can cause:
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of part of the field of vision
Sometimes a person may think the problem is related to eyestrain, glasses, or migraines, but a sudden change in vision always requires evaluation.
Difficulty walking and balance problems
During a stroke, a person may:
- Have difficulty walking
- Let the dizziness begin.
- To lose balance
- Have impaired movement coordination.
It is especially important to remember that some strokes, especially those affecting the back of the brain, may present primarily with dizziness and balance problems, without facial drooping or speech impairment.
Severe headache with sudden onset
A severe and sudden headache, especially when a person has not had this type of pain before, may be a sign of a hemorrhagic stroke.
It is noteworthy if the headache is accompanied by:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Neck stiffness
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Vision changes
- Loss of mind
BE-FAST — Advanced Stroke Detection Method
In addition to FAST, BE-FAST is used, which additionally assesses balance and vision.
B – Balance
Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking, loss of coordination.
E – Eyes
Sudden change in vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
F – Face
Facial drooping or asymmetry.
A – Arms
Hand weakness or numbness.
S – Speech
Speech disorder or difficulty understanding speech.
T – Time
Seek emergency help immediately.
Can the symptoms disappear temporarily?
Yes. Sometimes stroke-like symptoms go away within minutes or hours. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Even though the symptoms have gone away, a TIA can be a warning sign of an upcoming stroke and definitely needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
Don't wait for symptoms to recur — temporary improvement does not mean the risk is gone.
What should you do if you suspect a stroke?
If a person has signs of a stroke:
- Call an ambulance immediately.
- Remember when the symptoms started or when the person was last completely normal.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication without a doctor's advice.
Swallowing disorders may develop during a stroke, which increases the risk of food or liquid entering the airway.
Major risk factors for stroke
Some factors cannot be changed, such as age, genetic predisposition, and previous stroke.
However, risks can be reduced by managing stroke-related conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco consumption
- Excess weight
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption and more
To prevent stroke, it is important to control blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and follow your doctor's recommendations.
conclusion
The most important thing during a stroke is time.
If it suddenly develops:
- Facial asymmetry
- Weakness of the arm or leg
- speech disorder
- Vision changes
- Loss of balance
- Unusual severe headache
Don't wait for symptoms to disappear — seek emergency medical attention immediately.
A quick response can make a crucial difference in a person's life and subsequent recovery.
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Resources
https://www.webmd.com/stroke/signs-of-stroke
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html
https://www.respiratorytherapyzone.com/stroke-early-warning-signs/
