Responding quickly to an individual having a stroke could mean the difference between a relatively minor occurrence and long-term damage. It is critical that the person gets help within an hour, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the early signs of a stroke. Therefore, many people don’t receive the medical attention they require in time. In this article, we will explore the 14 signs of a stroke that you should be aware of, especially if you know someone who suffers from this disorder.
Numb Limbs
Experiencing numbness on one side of the body is a common sign of a stroke. This rapid loss of sensation happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving key areas of oxygen. The damaged side is often the side of the brain where the blockage occurs. People may experience feeling like their limbs are heavy, tingling, or unresponsive, making movement difficult. Recognizing this sign of a stroke and getting immediate medical attention can be life-saving!
Fatigue
We all feel fatigued every now and again, but exhaustion following a stroke is different. Strokes may cause you to feel like you have no energy. Simple things like moving about your house can feel like a marathon. If your fatigue makes you unable to engage in daily activities, seek medical attention as soon as possible. It could be an indication of a stroke, and it definitely indicates that something is wrong.
Issues with Vision
Contrary to generally held beliefs, people who have had a stroke can typically see out both of their eyes. As opposed to losing complete vision in one eye, you are more likely to lose the same field of vision in both eyes. This suggests that, while your eyes and optic nerve are unharmed, a section of the brain that interprets information from the optic nerve has been impaired.
Dizziness
A stroke that occurs in the brain stem can produce vertigo and dizziness, in addition to severe balance issues – you basically can’t walk properly even with complete concentration. The American Stroke Association stresses that dizziness alone is not an indication of a stroke, but if any of these additional signs are present, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can.
Issues With Walking and Balance
Even without dizziness, walking straight can prove challenging, especially if one of your legs is numb. Therefore, even if it does not feel like the room is spinning, if you find yourself constantly bumping into things, tripping over your feet, or unexpectedly feeling clumsy, you may have had a stroke.
Intense Headaches
Sure, we have all had headaches before – even excruciatingly painful ones. The key takeaway here, however, is that the headache is unlike any other headache you’ve likely ever had. So, if you suffer migraines, you may not be having a stroke if the headache feels familiar. However, if it is accompanied by other signs of a stroke, get medical assistance immediately.
Confusion
Suddenly feeling confused could also be indicative of a right-brain stroke. If you or a loved one are confused about the order of events or responsibilities or are misinterpreting information, it could be a sign of a stroke. You may also notice a decline in problem-solving abilities. People who have had a stroke may act impulsively and struggle to understand that they are acting abnormally.
Involuntary Eye Movements
During and after a stroke, you could experience involuntary eye movements and issues with your vision in general. According to the ophthalmology department at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, up to 68% of stroke victims suffer visual abnormalities, such as misalignment of one eye, nystagmus, and eyelid issues. If you’ve had a stroke, you could also experience blurry vision and a lack of depth perception.
Problems Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing may indicate that you have had a stroke and require medical treatment. Your symptoms will include difficulty swallowing while eating, drinking, or taking medication. You might also find it difficult to breathe. A little bit of good news is that this symptom normally fades as you recover from your stroke.
Stiff Muscles
A stroke may damage the brain in such a manner that it impairs signal transmission between it and the rest of the body. Following a stroke, there may be a lengthy recovery phase during which you might develop drop foot (your toes catching when walking), stamina issues, and muscular spasms. If you notice any of the above signs, seek medical attention as you may have had a stroke without even realizing it.
Issues Understanding Speech or Reading
If you have had a stroke, your speech may slur, and your comprehension of what words mean may be impaired. If you’ve had a stroke on the left side of your brain, which is home to our language center, you might have problems comprehending what words mean.
Signs Unique to Women
Women who have had a stroke might exhibit different symptoms from those usually seen in men, making it important to recognize these unique signs. In addition to weakness, women can experience difficulty breathing, confusion, or even fainting. Unexpected symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, and even hiccups can appear. In some circumstances, convulsions, pain, or increased irritability can also occur.
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