Immediate treatment for stroke is the best way to prevent both death and disability. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to identify whether or not they will have a stroke.
While there’s advancement in medical treatments and intervention therapies, the challenge lies on how to educate people about the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease to help the patients get the prompt treatment they require.
What are the Signs of Stroke to Watch Out For?
Anyone can have a stroke with the risks increasing as we grow older, but it can happen anytime. Women are more prone to stroke than men. If you already know you’re at risk, be sure to watch out for the following symptoms:
If your blood pressure is unusually high, it could be a signal that you’re going to have a stroke. Thankfully, there are ways to manage this condition using medication and healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, eat healthy, and exercise regularly to help lower your BP.
High Blood Sugar
Aside from blood pressure, blood sugar levels can also indicate if you’re going to have a stroke. Those with diabetes are high at risk of stroke.
The recommended cholesterol level is below 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol can contribute to stroke.
If you’re so tired that you see double or things become blurry, this is a sign of stroke – especially if you’re not tired. Some people report blindness in one eye, so don’t blame it on old age.
If you woke up from a nap and your arm (or leg) is numb, this can mean decreased blood flow and can cause weakness or numbness in just one side of your body.
If you suddenly find it difficult to speak, it could lead to stroke. Some people dismiss this as a side effect of the drugs they’re taking, but this can even mean the stroke has happened.
For people who have balance issues after drinking or even without alcohol, this is a sign of decreased blood flow to the brain.
If you always have trouble thinking of the correct words like it’s at the tip of your tongue, this may be due to an impending stroke.
If one side of the face feels numb or is drooping, immediately seek for medical help.
Sometimes headaches can be quite confusing, but if it is sudden, along with other signs mentioned above, it is time to visit a doctor.
Even if the symptoms last for a few minutes, you should immediately call 911 or have someone take you to the hospital since stroke is a medical emergency.