Like many other health issues, your chance of getting a stroke rises with age. After age 55, your chance of having a stroke about doubles every ten years. At any age, strokes can and do occur. Strokes in younger people have generally increased since 1990, according to research.
Regardless of age, it is vital to recognize the early warning signs of stroke. Learn about the potential early warning signs of a stroke by reading on.
Can There Be Warning Signs One Month Before a Stroke?
A brief cessation of blood flow to the brain causes TIA, sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke. It’s one of the indicators that a stroke might happen in the future: About 20% of those who have a TIA within 90 days may go on to have a stroke.
Stroke and TIA symptoms are identical. Symptoms could include loss of balance, musculoskeletal problems, or changes in alertness or senses.
Additional early signs of stroke to look for include sudden:
- Perplexity or trouble comprehending speech
- Having trouble walking
- Feeling lightheaded or uncoordinated
- An intense headache with no apparent cause
- Issues with vision in one or both eyes
- Leg weakness or numbness, particularly if one side is affected
Act F.A.S.T.
You can recall the typical symptoms to watch for and when to dial 911 by using the abbreviation F.A.S.T.
- Face: Look for signs of facial drooping or numbness.
- Arm: Determine any arm weakness or numbness.
- Speech: Listen for slurred speech.
- Time: Call 911 if any of the symptoms are present.
How To Prepare
Strokes can occur unexpectedly, affecting anyone at any time. Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can help you seek immediate medical care. Another proactive measure is to have a list of resources, including the nearest hospital with a 24-hour stroke facility. It’s also useful to note any medications you’re taking or those that have triggered allergic reactions.
Be mindful of any factors that may increase your stroke risk, which can include:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Lifestyle habits, such as a lack of regular physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Previous strokes or TIAs
- Sex
- Sickle cell disease
What To Do if You Think You’re Having a Stroke
In the event of a stroke, get medical help immediately. Rather than driving or having someone else drive you to the hospital, you should call for an ambulance. Medical personnel might begin treatment while traveling to the emergency room in an ambulance. If you are really worried that you are experiencing a stroke, let the 911 operator and the arriving medical staff know. They might be able to take you to a stroke center with specialist care.
If an ER doctor gives you a different diagnosis, don’t give up. TIAs and strokes might resemble the signs of migraines or inner ear infections. As a result, strokes—particularly those involving the posterior cerebral arteries—are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.
“Why do you think it’s not a stroke?” ask a medical professional. Seek out a rational answer. If they don’t provide a clear answer to your query or if you’re not comfortable with their response, get a second opinion.
A Brief Overview
Confusion, trouble walking, or numbness or paralysis in your arms, legs, or face are some early warning signs of stroke. Additionally, a stroke within three months may be predicted by a TIA.
The bottom line is that in order to receive the care you require, you must take immediate action when you observe any stroke symptoms. Knowing your risk factors, locating the nearest stroke center, and keeping a list of drugs on hand for medical professionals are more ways to get ready for a possible stroke.