5 Early Warning Signs Of Stroke You Shouldn’t Ignore

Stroke is a critical medical emergency impacting millions of lives worldwide. Detecting its early warning signs can be crucial in saving lives and reducing long-term brain damage. In recent years, the number of stroke cases has seen a sharp rise in India as well as worldwide.

A stroke typically happens when the blood flow to a specific area of the brain is suddenly interrupted or significantly reduced. As a result, brain tissues are deprived of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function. To gain a deeper understanding of this condition, we spoke with Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of the Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS) at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.

5 Early Warning Signs Of Stroke You Shouldn’t Ignore

While strokes can happen suddenly, the body often gives out subtle warning signs before a full-blown episode. According to Dr Gupta, recognising these early indicators can be the key to preventing serious brain damage and even saving a life.

Some of the earliest symptoms may seem harmless or easy to brush off, but they shouldn't be ignored. Dr Gupta points out a few signs to watch out for:

• A sudden, intense headache that feels unlike anything experienced before
• Brief episodes of blurred or double vision
• Tingling or numbness in the face, arms, or legs, often on one side of the body
• Slight slurring or difficulty in speaking
• Sudden unsteadiness or trouble walking
• One side of the face appears to droop
• Momentary confusion, memory lapses, or trouble finding the right words.

The Link Between Aneurysms and Stroke

One of the more serious causes behind such symptoms could be a subarachnoid haemorrhage, often resulting from a ruptured brain aneurysm. An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge that forms due to a weakened section of an artery wall. This weakened spot is vulnerable and may rupture, leading to bleeding in the brain.

Don't Miss: 7 Signs In Your Hands That May Signal Heart Damage, As Per Expert

Dr Gupta told us the first and most alarming symptom of an aneurysm rupture is often a sudden and severe headache. This can be accompanied by:

• Neck stiffness
• Tingling or numbness
• Visual disturbances or double vision
• Eye movement issues, sometimes due to pressure on the third cranial nerve

Diagnosis And Treatment 

Early and accurate diagnosis is key. Techniques such as CT angiography or Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) are used to detect aneurysms. Dr Gupta said, depending on the location and size, treatment options may include:

• Endovascular coiling: Filling the aneurysm with coils to prevent rupture
• Flow-diverter stents: Redirecting blood flow away from the aneurysm
• Surgical clipping: Closing off the aneurysm with a metal clip

Don't Miss: 5 Early Warning Signs Of Heart Blockage You Shouldn’t Ignore

Prevention Tips For Stroke

Preventive care plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of stroke and aneurysm rupture. Here are some Important steps that you should include:

• Maintaining healthy blood pressure
• Avoiding smoking and tobacco
• Following a balanced, heart-healthy lifestyle
• Regular screening, especially if there’s a family history of aneurysms or subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: Freepik