Eight early signs of stoke that can appear a month before and how to prepare

Eight Early Signs of Stroke That Can Appear a Month Before and How to Prepare

Health experts have recently revealed the early warning signs of a stroke that could manifest as early as a month prior. While predicting a stroke’s exact timing is challenging, certain symptoms could serve as indicators. Some individuals may have experienced a ‘mini-stroke,’ known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), within three months before a stroke. A TIA occurs due to a brief disruption in blood flow to the brain, leading to stroke-like symptoms like numbness or weakness in one side of the face, arms, or legs, severe headache, confusion, memory loss, blurred vision, difficulty walking, understanding speech, and dizziness. A TIA acts as a crucial warning sign that a stroke might occur in the future, with around 20% of TIA patients progressing to a stroke within 90 days.

TIA symptoms can emerge suddenly and last from a few minutes to several hours, spanning up to 24 hours. Recognizing a TIA is vital as it requires immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of future strokes. The likelihood of experiencing a stroke increases with age, with the risk nearly doubling every decade after the age of 55. While strokes were previously thought to predominantly affect older individuals, there has been a notable increase in strokes among younger people since the 1990s, with a third of all strokes occurring in those aged 20–64 in 2010.

One poignant account highlighted a young woman who suffered a stroke at just 17 due to complications from her contraceptive pill. Lauren Jean fell ill on holiday, ultimately left unable to walk or talk following a blood clot reaching her brain and causing the stroke. Regardless of age, being able to recognise the early signs of a stroke is crucial. The NHS promotes the acronym “FAST” to aid in identifying and responding to stroke signs: Face, Arms, Speech, Time (Call 999 immediately).

Strokes can affect anyone unexpectedly, making it essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek prompt medical assistance by dialling 999. Sudden numbness, confusion, vision loss, dizziness, and severe headaches are all indicative of a stroke. It is wise to have a list of the nearest hospital with a 24-hour stroke unit and information on medications and allergies. Lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking contribute to 82% to 90% of all strokes and can be controlled to mitigate risk.

Additionally, high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, and conditions like coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation can lead to strokes. Adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce these risks. Other risk factors include age, anxiety, depression, high stress levels, family history of strokes, living in areas with air pollution, and other medical conditions like sleep apnea, kidney disease, and migraines. Seeking immediate medical attention when experiencing stroke symptoms is crucial, as strokes and TIAs can present symptoms resembling other conditions like migraines or inner ear infections, underscoring the importance of accurate diagnosis.

Insights and Summary:
The early signs of a stroke are crucial to recognise and act upon promptly to mitigate the risk of a more severe stroke occurring. Understanding the indicators, such as numbness, speech difficulties, and sudden headaches, can empower individuals to seek immediate medical attention, improving the chances of a positive outcome. Lifestyle factors play a significant role in stroke risk, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking. The personal story of a young woman experiencing a stroke underscores the reality that strokes can affect individuals of any age, highlighting the necessity of awareness and preparedness for such a medical emergency.