Symptoms of a stroke

Recognising the signs of a stroke quickly can lead to fast medical help, greatly improving recovery chances. This article delves into various symptoms associated with a stroke, ranging from sudden numbness to severe headaches. Knowing what to look out for and being alert means if you or someone a loved one shows these symptoms, you can act quickly to reduce potential damage and speed up recovery.

Understanding the basics of a stroke

A stroke is a severe medical condition that occurs when a blood vessel in the brain either becomes blocked or bursts, disrupting the flow of oxygen and nutrients to part of the brain. The resulting damage can lead to a range of symptoms which are crucial to identify at the earliest. Understanding the underlying symptoms of a stroke and their immediate consequences could be vital in mitigating the long-term impact on your health.

The human brain is an extremely complex organ, requiring a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to function effectively. When this supply is interrupted, even for a short time, brain cells begin to die, which could lead to lasting damage, long-term disability, or even death. The aftermath of a stroke depends significantly on the prompt recognition of its symptoms and timely medical intervention.

Types of stroke

Strokes are put into three main categories, each with distinct causes and characteristics.

Ischemic stroke

An ischemic stroke is the most prevalent type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of cases, or 1 in 4. It transpires when a clot or a blockage forms in one of the brain’s blood vessels or a vessel leading to the brain. There are two sub-types of ischemic stroke:

• Thrombotic stroke, which is caused by a clot formed in the arteries supplying blood to the brain
• Embolic stroke, where a clot or debris forms elsewhere and travels to the brain, causing a blockage

Haemorrhagic stroke

Although less common, haemorrhagic strokes are often more severe and are caused by bleeding in or around the brain. This bleeding can occur either within the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage) or in the space between the brain and the membrane covering it (subarachnoid haemorrhage). High blood pressure and aneurysms are common causes of haemorrhagic strokes.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Commonly dubbed a 'mini-stroke', a TIA occurs when there's a temporary blockage, usually by a clot, in a blood vessel leading to the brain. Although TIAs don’t cause permanent damage, they serve as a serious warning sign that a more severe stroke may be imminent. The symptoms of a TIA typically last for a few minutes to an hour and should not be ignored.

What are stroke symptoms?

Stroke symptoms usually happen suddenly and without warning. Here are the primary signs to be vigilant about:

Physical symptoms

• Sudden numbness or weakness: This symptom especially occurs on one side of the body—be it in the face, arm, or leg. A noticeable sudden numbness or a strange weakness in any of these body parts requires urgent medical attention
• Severe headache: A sudden and severe headache, unlike anything experienced before and with no discernible cause, can be a sign of a stroke. This may be accompanied by dizziness or altered consciousness, which requires urgent need for medical help
• Sudden trouble seeing: A sudden blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes may indicate a stroke. This symptom indicates that the part of the brain controlling vision is possibly being affected
• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination: An abrupt loss of balance or coordination or trouble walking could be a red flag signalling a stroke. This symptom could mean that the areas of the brain that control movement are being impacted

Cognitive symptoms

• Confusion: A sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements might signify a stroke. This includes difficulty speaking or understanding speech, indicating a possible neurological disruption
• Trouble with spatial awareness: Difficulty with spatial awareness or an altered perception of your surroundings can also indicate a stroke. This could manifest as trouble judging distances or navigating around objects, possibly meaning an obstruction in the brain’s communication pathways

Other signs

• Facial drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. When asked to smile, one side of the face may remain droopy, indicating a potential stroke
• Arm weakness: An inability to raise both arms high, especially if one arm starts to fall, could be a sign of a stroke. This test is often used as a quick assessment during a possible stroke scenario
• Speech difficulty: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking are significant signs of a stroke. A common quick test is to have the person repeat a simple sentence to check for speech abnormalities

Recognising a stroke

FAST Test

The FAST test is a short, easy-to-remember acronym to spot the main signs of a stroke. Anyone can use it, even without medical knowledge. It is pivotal in speeding up the process of getting medical assistance. Let’s break down the acronym to further understand the importance of each letter.

F (Face)

When a stroke occurs, one of the telltale signs is often facial drooping or numbness. Ask the person to smile and observe if one side of their face droops or if their smile appears uneven. This happens because a stroke can affect the muscles on one side of the face, rendering them weak or paralysed.

A (Arms)

Similarly, a stroke may cause sudden weakness or numbness in the arms. Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward or if they cannot lift one arm at all. This simple task can be a significant indicator of a stroke.

S (Speech)

A person having a stroke might have slurred speech or may find it hard to speak at all. Prompt them to repeat a simple sentence and listen carefully for any speech abnormalities, like slurring or incorrect words. This symptom underscores the potential severity of a stroke and the immediate need for medical attention.

T (Time)

Time is of the essence when it comes to reacting to stroke symptoms. If you observe any of the above signs, it's time to call emergency services without delay. Early intervention can significantly improve the prognosis and minimise long-term brain damage.

When is it a medical emergency?

Any physical manifestation of stroke symptoms is a medical emergency. It's imperative to never wait to see if the symptoms will go away. The sooner a stroke victim receives medical attention, the better their prognosis. Rapid response can drastically reduce the risk of long-term impairment and maximise the effectiveness of treatment.

Risk factors contributing to stroke

Understanding the factors that heighten the risk of a stroke can help you change your lifestyle to lower these risks. Some factors can be managed, while others cannot, but both affect your chance of having a stroke.

Controllable risk factors

High blood pressure

Known as the major cause of strokes, high blood pressure is also the most important controllable risk factor. Managing blood pressure through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication, if prescribed, can markedly reduce the risk of a stroke.

Irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)

This irregular heart rhythm condition can cause blood to pool in the heart, forming clots that can travel to the brain and trigger a stroke. If you’re diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, you should work closely with your doctor to manage this condition and lower your stroke risk.

Smoking

The many chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause blood clots, thickening the blood and increasing the risk of a stroke. Quitting smoking can substantially lower this risk, improving overall cardiovascular health.

Uncontrollable risk factors

Age

As you age, the risk of a stroke tends to rise. People above the age of 55 are at a heightened risk, although strokes can occur at any age.

Family history

Genetics play a significant role in stroke risk. A family history of strokes can inherently increase the likelihood of having a stroke. Knowing your family history and discussing it with a doctor can provide insight into personal stroke risk and potential preventive measures.

Reducing the risk of stroke

The good news is that by embracing certain lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. These preventative measures revolve around keeping a healthy lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular wellbeing, which in turn, protects the brain from conditions leading to strokes.

Here's a more detailed look into the lifestyle changes and regular health checks that can protect against stroke risks.

Regular exercise

Engaging in regular physical activity elevates the heart rate, improves blood circulation, and can significantly lower blood pressure - all of which are crucial in minimising stroke risk. The British Heart Foundation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Balanced diet

A well-rounded diet that's rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products can significantly reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels - two primary culprits in causing strokes. Also, minimising your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol is vital in maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Avoiding smoking

As previously discussed, the toxic substances in tobacco can cause blood clots and thicken the blood, leading to a heightened risk of strokes. Quitting smoking is therefore a huge step towards reducing stroke risk.

Regular check-ups

Regular health check-ups can identify and help manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and irregular heart rhythm, which are known to increase stroke risk when left untreated. Early detection and management of these conditions can protect against the threat of stroke-related complications.

Protect yourself against strokes

Learning about stroke symptoms, risk factors, and how lifestyle changes can lower these risks is a big step in protecting your and your loved ones' health. Remember, in a medical emergency, every second is vital, and having this knowledge could be a life-saving asset.

Is it time to gain a deeper understanding of your neurological health or your risk of stroke? Don’t delay in seeking professional insight.

Book an appointment online today ,or give us a call directly. We’re here to help connect you with the right specialist, ensuring you receive tailored, exemplary care on your journey towards optimal health.