5 warning signs of a stroke that can occur a month before

A stroke occurs when oxygen supply to the brain is partially blocked. Death or paralysis can occur in minutes, if medical help is not provided, which is why strokes are a medical emergency, that require immediate attention. However, while some strokes strike out of the blue, most of them build up over a period of months, and come with some warning symptoms. Early detection of these warning signs enables patients to receive preventive treatment for stroke development, and prevent paralysis, or even death. Here are 5 warning signs that can occur a month or months before a stroke...

The first indicator of stroke development, includes unusual headaches which differ from your typical headaches. These headaches will either appear without warning, or will become more severe and longer-lasting, than your typical headaches. The headaches persist beyond standard pain medication treatment, while patients experience dizziness, nausea and even vision problems. This occurs because the brain shows signs of pressure changes and bleeding, which need immediate medical intervention.

When you experience headaches that differ from your previous experiences (or are new headaches), and they persist for extended periods of time, you should seek immediate medical help. Your brain sends these headaches as warning signals which indicate potential stroke risk, when left untreated. Research indicates that stroke patients frequently experience headaches during the time period leading up to their stroke occurrence.

A warning sign that requires immediate attention is when you experience weakness or numbness in your face, arms or legs which affects only one side of your body. The weakness in your body may start slowly, or it may appear and disappear at random times. This occurs because the brain area responsible for movement and sensation experiences decreased blood flow, which results in this condition. The weakness symptoms might be so faint that you fail to recognise their severity.

Seek immediate medical help whenever you experience prolonged or recurring body numbness, or weakness. Medical evidence demonstrates that stroke prevention depends on early detection of this symptom.

Stroke patients experience speech difficulties and word comprehension problems, as their first signs before the actual stroke occurs. Your speech becomes unclear while you struggle to choose words, and you experience difficulty understanding basic sentences. This occurs because the brain area which handles language functions, does not receive sufficient oxygen supply.

You should treat this warning sign as an emergency, because it appears suddenly and occurs frequently. Research indicates that patients who experience early stroke symptoms, develop speech problems which appear before their major stroke occurs.

The occurrence of sudden vision problems including blurred vision, double vision and partial vision loss indicates a possible stroke. This occurs because the brain area which controls vision, becomes affected when a stroke occurs. Sometimes you might see flashing lights, lose part of your visual field, or have difficulty focusing with one or both eyes.

Any unexplained vision changes that persist for more than a few hours or days, require you to seek medical help immediately. The symptoms you are experiencing might be related to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes, which occur before a full stroke. Research indicates that vision problems serve as a frequent early indicator of stroke.

Brain problems that occur before a stroke will cause dizziness, balance issues and walking difficulties. The brain regions which control balance and coordination, experience reduced blood flow and small blockages that produce these symptoms. Your body becomes unstable while you experience vertigo, and your foot movement becomes difficult during walking.

The appearance of new symptoms which worsen during several days to weeks indicates possible stroke development. Medical research confirms that dizziness and balance issues frequently appear before strokes and patients should seek immediate medical help.

The prevention of many strokes depends on basic health maintenance practices. Keeping your Blood Pressure in control, stands as the primary prevention measure, because regular medical check-ups and prescribed medications work to reduce your chances of getting a stroke. Your heart and brain stay protected through the consumption of healthy foods, which include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, that are low in salt and fats. Your blood vessels will become healthier when you exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, and stop smoking, and reduce your alcohol consumption.

People with diabetes and high cholesterol are at a high risk for stroke, and hence they should not miss out on their medical treatment, and make lifestyle adjustments accordingly. The control of stress levels matters because elevated blood pressure and unhealthy behaviors can result from high stress levels.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice