Stroke is a severe medical condition that affects millions of individuals every year. It happens when the blood supply to a section of the brain is disrupted, causing damage to the brain. Identifying a stroke early on is critical, as the sooner it is detected, the better chance one has of minimising damage and maximising recovery.
But what if there were warning signs that could alert you before a stroke occurs? Are early stroke symptoms recognisable, and do we have the ability to stop a full stroke from occurring if we listen to the symptoms before a stroke hits? In this blog, we are going to talk about some of the signs of a stroke before it happens and why it is important to recognise them before a stroke happens and potentially save a life.
What Is Stroke?
Before we get into the specific signs that a stroke may happen before it does, let’s take a moment to understand what a stroke is — and how it affects the body. There are two main ways a stroke can occur:
- Ischaemic Stroke: The most common type of stroke, an ischaemic stroke, occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, preventing it from getting enough oxygen.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures, which means it bursts, and bleeding occurs in or around the brain.
In either situation, the brain causes a deficiency of oxygen, and such a deficiency leads to cell death in the brain and impairment of the impaired brain. It may permanently impair the brain’s control over bodily functions such as speech, movement, and memory. Due to the debilitating consequences of the stroke, time is critical for early intervention.
The Importance of Recognising Early Stroke Symptoms
Strokes don’t typically come out of nowhere. Although symptoms before a stroke are unnoticed, there are usually warnings before a stroke occurs. The earlier someone realises they’re having a stroke and gets to a doctor to receive treatment, the greater the chance that their brain will escape irreversible damage or death.
Here are some critical warning signs before a stroke that you can watch out for.
Signs of a Stroke Before It Happens
- Sudden Numbness or Weakness – Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side of the body — is one of the most common early warning signs of stroke. This can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. For instance, someone might suddenly be unable to raise one of their arms or feel a tingling sensation on one side of their face.
- Confusion or Trouble Speaking – If someone starts to have slurred speech or is confused and has difficulty understanding what others are saying, it could mean a stroke is on the way. One of the most common early signs before a stroke is difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden Trouble Seeing – Blurred or double vision or a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes is another vital warning sign. This can happen when a stroke affects the brain’s visual centres. Vision problems like these, particularly if they come on suddenly, shouldn’t be overlooked.
- Severe Headache – A sudden, severe headache — particularly if it is the most intense headache someone has ever experienced — can be a sign of a stroke, particularly in the case of a hemorrhagic stroke. This kind of headache is often considered a “thunderclap” and might be associated with nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness and Loss of Balance – A person suffering from dizziness, a spinning sensation, or a sudden loss of coordination might be at risk of having a stroke. These symptoms frequently relate to balance and can impair walking or other daily activities.
The Silent Signs: Stroke Can Be Subtle
In some cases, a stroke will occur, and the signs may be subtle, what we call a “silent stroke.” These are strokes that do not cause big physical symptoms but can still harm the brain. Less obvious, silent strokes heighten the risk of future, deadlier strokes. Others might have trouble with memory, mood, or thinking.
If you or a loved one has these subtle symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional — they could be signs of a stroke waiting to happen.
Early Warning Signs of Stroke in Different Age Groups
Stroke often brings to mind an older person, but it can affect anyone at any age. Warning signs of a stroke in younger people don’t always mimic those in older people. Younger folks may be more prone to unusual dizziness, changes in speech, or loss of vision.
In elderly people, the symptoms can be greater, but they can also come as symptoms of other ailments, like tiredness or memory loss. That makes it all the more crucial for family members and carers of older adults to be alert for possible early signs of stroke.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?
If you or anyone else exhibits any of the early warning signs of stroke, it’s time to act fast. Other signs of a stroke. Recognising a stroke’s symptoms means getting immediate treatment, which can greatly reduce the damage that a stroke can cause. Here’s what you should do:
1. Call Emergency Services Immediately
First, you should call for emergency services. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires rapid treatment, with delays resulting in irreversible brain damage. Never give the person a ride to the hospital yourself; paramedics are trained to start treatment while en route to the hospital.
2. Note the Time
If you experience stroke symptoms, make a note of when they first appeared. This is vital for healthcare providers to guide effective intervention.
3. Stay Calm
If you’re assisting someone with a stroke, stay calm and reassure them. Try to get them as comfortable as possible until medical help arrives.
4. Do Not Offer Food or Drink
If the person is having trouble speaking or swallowing, don’t give them food or drink, as this could make them choke.
Why Choose Olive Elder Care for Geriatric Counselling
At Olive Elder Care, we know how important it is to identify a stroke or other health conditions affecting an older adult early on. Our geriatric counselling services can equip you and your loved ones with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in the fight against strokes and maintain overall health. You can help them live longer and better with the right guidance, early detection of stroke symptoms, and an appropriate level of care.
If you are in need of expert advice on caring for ageing loved ones, seek geriatric counselling support at Olive Eldercare. Our mission is to ease the struggle of families dealing with eldercare and to guarantee that your loved ones get the care they are entitled to.
Be alert to the early warning signs of stroke — the earlier a stroke is recognised, the better the chances for full recovery.
FAQs
How to know if a stroke is coming?
Early warning signs of a stroke can also include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, difficulty seeing, and a sudden headache. If you experience these symptoms, you must respond promptly and seek medical assistance.
What is the biggest indicator of a stroke?
The most common sign of stroke is sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body. But other symptoms, such as difficulty speaking or sudden vision problems, are also major red flags.
What are the four silent signs of a stroke?
Silent signs of a stroke can include memory problems, mood changes, an inability to concentrate, or slight confusion. These symptoms, however, may not always be apparent but can signal an increased likelihood of a subsequent stroke.
How long does your body warn you before a stroke?
The warning signs of the stroke can happen minutes, hours, or even days before the stroke occurs. Early recognition of these symptoms is likely to lead to better outcomes to prevent further damage.
