It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Less commonly called cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), strokes occur when blood flow to parts of the brain is cut off, depriving the brain of oxygen. While not all strokes are deadly, many have been known to lead to permanent damage and even disability.
The problem, however, is knowing what to do. In many cases, you’ve probably heard of signs like slurred speech or numbness.
But what about lesser-known signs that could save your life or the life of someone you love?
Let’s explore seven hidden signs a stroke may be coming, and what you can do to address them.
Strokes typically impact the parts of your brain corresponding to language, memory, and reasoning. Without oxygen-rich blood, the brain essentially ‘starves,’ which can lead to problems with thinking, understanding, and even making decisions.
This is where confusion comes in. If you or someone you know suddenly experiences unexplained confusion, take note. Call 911 or emergency services right away. When you do, make sure to remember when the confusion first started and how severe it was.
Did it progress? How quickly? Were there any other symptoms?
By being present in the moment and responding quickly, you could save your life or the life of someone you love.
RELATED: 5 Signs Of A Silent Stroke Black People Should Know
Something called “silent stroke” happens when the typical symptoms are not present. However, that doesn’t mean it’s any less severe. These silent cases cause subtle brain injuries at first, but if left untreated, can lead to major complications.
One of the hallmarks of silent strokes is their effect on energy. Diminished blood flow to the brain can affect parts that control alertness and wakefulness.
If this feeling comes on out of nowhere, accompanied by problems like confusion and vision issues, call 911 immediately.
As always, time is of the essence.
Known as a “thunderclap headache,” these severe and sudden events usually signal a stroke is approaching fast. This happens due to a hemorrhage, where a blood vessel in the brain actually bursts. From there, bleeding and pressure in the skull can cause all kinds of problems.
The rule of thumb for this is easy. If you experience a headache that you’ve never had before, don’t take a chance. Call 911 right away. Even if it’s just a bad migraine, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
While we all struggle with trouble remembering and recalling from time to time, many ministrokes can also bring this on. Known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), ministrokes can lead to temporary problems with memory as blood flow is cut off.
Fortunately, you can quickly get to the bottom of any recurring or worsening memory lapses with MRIs. While TIAs are not full-blown strokes, they can lead to one, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
When your vision changes suddenly, don’t ignore it. Strokes are often preceded by vision problems, like double vision, partial blindness, blurred vision, and even a temporary but complete ‘blackout.’ If a stroke occurs in your occipital lobe, you risk losing vision permanently in one or both eyes.
So, if you suddenly notice vision distortions, don’t wait. Contact medical professionals right away to see if it’s related to a stroke or something else.
At the back of your brain is a region called the cerebellum, which is crucial for good balance and motor control. However, when a stroke hits this region, you can immediately lose the ability to move normally. Symptoms include unsteadiness, dizziness, and trouble walking straight.
If you find yourself suddenly losing balance, especially if everything seems like it’s spinning, don’t wait. It may not be a stroke, but it’s good to get medical attention just to make sure.
RELATED: 6 Essential Steps to Stroke Recovery
The reason sudden numbness or weakness occurs, often on one side of the body, is due to certain areas in your brain. When a stroke occurs, it often cuts off blood to areas responsible for your senses. This, in turn, impacts your movement and even sensation.
Depending on which hemisphere of the brain your stroke happens in, it will affect the opposite side of your body. This is where weakness and numbness in your face, legs, and arms can occur.
When it comes to this symptom, call 911 immediately. Time is of the essence here, and if you wait, a clot could prove lethal.
As with all the signs in this article, you have to act fast. Don’t panic, be measured, and try to stay calm. If you can get ahold of medical attention promptly, your likelihood of a positive outcome increases significantly.
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