Early Signs of Stroke You Should Know!

Aug 11 , 2017 | 4 min read

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability across the world. A stroke is a sudden stop of blood supply to the brain due to a blocked blood vessel or either the blood vessel ruptures. Some people have strokes without ever knowing it, and they are called silent strokes that can cause permanent damage to the brain. These silent strokes have symptoms that are difficult to recognize, and most people often forget them in a whim.

It is highly recommended to get a brain stroke treatment if you feel any of its symptoms. It is called the 3-hour period i.e. golden window after this period stroke is crucial, however, the treatment benefit can be extended up to 6 hours after onset of symptoms of stroke. In this period, a stroke treatment can save the patient from permanent damage to the brain. With our best neurologist in Delhi and dedicated team, Max Institute of Neurosciences offer Community Stroke Program with Risk Assessment and Counselling.

Here are early signs of stroke that you should never ignore, as it can leave to disability and even death –

Severe Headaches without any reason.
Numbness or Weakness in your arms, face, or leg, generally on one side
Trouble seeing with one or both eyes
Trouble staying or walking coordinated or balanced (Gait Disturbances)
Dizziness for no reason
Difficulty swallowing
Confusion or loss of memory
Loss of sensation in any part of the body
Muscle stiffness
Behavioral changes

Remember the “BE FAST” Approach

To successfully undergo stroke treatment, it is imperative to act fast without any delay. Immediate treatment can make a change, and minimize long-term effects relating to brain damage and can reduce the risk of death.

BE FAST is also an acronym which is used to recognize the early warning signs and symptoms of stroke.

B - Balance

If you are walking or standing and feel a sudden loss of balance or coordination, it might be a sign of stroke. Try and walk in a straight line or touch your nose to confirm.

E - Eyes

A sudden change in vision, double vision or blindness in one eye

F - Face

Try to smile and see if one side of the face droops.

A - Arms

Raise both arms and see if one arm drops down.

S - Speech

Say a few words or a short phrase and check for strange or slurred speech.

T - Time

If you notice any of these symptoms, call an ambulance immediately. It is imperative to act well within time to minimize damage. Get immediate medical assistance for stroke treatment.

Transient Ischemic Attacks

TIAs or Transient Ischemic Attacks are mini-strokes that occur right before a major stroke and are often concluded as ‘warning strokes.'They might be ‘mini,' but they carry a major risk. The symptoms occurring in the case of TIAs are like that of a stroke, but, they subside on their own. However, they are not to be ignored and must be dealt with immediately. Getting a stroke treatment is essential even in the case of Transient Ischemic Attacks where an artery is temporarily blocked, and blood supply to the brain is affected. TIAs typically occur because of the following reasons –

Low blood flow to the narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain.
A blood clot somewhere in the body breaks off, travels to the brain and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
Plaque build-up which decreases the blood flow through an artery or leads to the development of a clot.

Here’s how you can cut down the risk of a stroke

Lose Weight – Maintain a healthy BMI and keep your weight under check. It is advisable to get down to the weight what your doctor considers healthy.
Eat a Healthy Diet – It is imperative to cut back on saturated fat, cholesterol sugar, salt and red meat. Include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts in your everyday meal.
Avoiding drinking Alcohol – Heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of developing a stroke and liver cirrhosis. It is imperative to be modest at best when you are drinking, and remember to never binge a drink, even if you are a social drinker.
Exercise – Exercise helps in eliminating many risks associated with our health, including the risk of stroke. Make sure you are walking enough and are avoiding sitting all day long. Take adequate breaks and keep your body in motion. Alternatively, work out and exercise to maintain a healthy mind and body.
Stop Smoking – Smoking does more harm than most people anticipate. It increases the risk of blood clots and contributes to the development of cholesterol containing fatty deposits in the arteries.

Worldwide, stroke is one of the primary reasons for disability and deaths. It is often termed as a ‘silent killer,' because most people tend to avoid the initial symptoms. However, it can be damaging and life-threating in the long run. Getting a stroke treatment is essential if you have felt any of the symptoms mentioned above. With the best neurologist in Delhi, Max Healthcare is dedicated and equipped in providing the necessary stroke treatment.