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A stroke is a serious medical emergency, and recognizing the warning signs can save lives. Occurring regardless of age, gender, or health status, strokes threaten even young and physically fit individuals. To better anticipate and prevent this condition, here are seven symptoms to watch for one month before a potential stroke occurs.
Persistently high blood pressure
Persistent high blood pressure is one of the major indicators of a possible stroke. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, measures the force exerted by blood against the artery walls. If this pressure is persistently high, it can damage blood vessels, making them more likely to narrow, weaken, or even rupture.
This damage can cause an ischemic stroke, due to obstruction, or a hemorrhagic stroke, due to rupture, both types of stroke being largely preventable by controlling blood pressure through a healthy lifestyle and strict adherence to prescribed treatments.
Excessive fatigue
Severe and persistent fatigue, unrelated to physical exertion or lack of sleep, can also indicate a risk of stroke. Often underestimated, this fatigue can result from changes in blood flow to the brain caused by narrowing of the arteries or the formation of clots.
This condition may precede a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke but usually resolve within 24 hours. However, this manifestation is a serious warning of a possible future attack.
Vision Problems
Sudden changes in vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty concentrating, can be early signs of a stroke. These visual disturbances may indicate a disruption in cerebral blood flow, often signaling an ischemic stroke.
However, other causes can also explain these changes, so it is important to consult a doctor quickly to assess the situation.
Sudden, severe headaches
A sudden, intense headache may be a sign of a stroke. The pain may occur due to obstruction of blood flow (ischemic) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic). In the case of hemorrhagic strokes, the headache is often described as the worst of the person’s life, sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness.
These severe headaches may also indicate an imminent risk of aneurysm rupture.
Note: Not all headaches are associated with a stroke, but medical attention is still recommended.
Numbness or weakness in extremities
Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, is a classic symptom of a possible stroke. These signs may indicate reduced blood flow to the brain, such as in a TIA, and require immediate medical attention to prevent permanent brain damage.
Difference between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, which can result from atrial fibrillation or plaque buildup in the arteries. Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia that increases the risk of clot formation that causes ischemic strokes.
In contrast, a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when the cerebral artery ruptures, causing hemorrhage. This significantly increases intracranial pressure and can cause severe brain damage.
Detecting a Cerebral Aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm, often asymptomatic, can be detected by tests such as CT angiography, MRI, or cerebral arteriography. Early detection is crucial, especially if there is a family history, because an untreated aneurysm can lead to a dangerous rupture.
Stroke Prevention
Some preventive measures can help reduce the risk of stroke:
Continued on the next page
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