This is How You Might Catch a Stroke Early: CAN YOU GET a notice that you are going to have a stroke in a week? A historic study suggests that nearly one in four individuals who suffer a stroke have symptoms seven days before the event. Today we explore the epidemiology and symptoms of a stroke.
Listen — pacemaker, crash, stroke. What does it mean? God doesn’t want me now. That’s all. — actor Kirk Douglas
I recently wrote a piece looking at four of the many ways you can reduce your risk of suffering from a stroke. Here are the ABCDs of dropping stroke risk. I should add “E” is for exercise (or rather, physical activity).
4 Things You Should Do to Reduce Your Stroke Risk, Backed by Science
“The blood jet is poetry, There is no stopping it.” ― from “Kindness” by Sylvia Plath, Ariel
Let’s explore the remarkable finding that almost one-quarter of those who suffer from a stroke have warning signs in the week earlier.
First, I want to share that the research findings I am about to offer you are not new. While published in 2005, I think the general truths are still relevant today.
Here are the provocative findings of the study:
Almost one out of every four ischemic stroke survivors suffered “mini-strokes,” known as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), before the actual event, and most of these mini-strokes occurred within the preceding seven days.
The research investigation looked at just over 2,400 individuals who had suffered an ischemic stroke. An ischemic stroke happens when blood flow in an artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. Blood clots are often the reason for these blockages.
Getting more granular, we find that of those who experienced a TIA, 17 percent occurred on the day of the stroke, nine percent on the previous day, and 43 percent at some point during the week before the stroke.
It surprised me that upwards of one-in-four of those who suffer an ischemic stroke had warning signs before the event. It is even more surprising that other estimates place that number higher. A warning stroke is present for as many as 43 percent — or nearly half — of ischemic strokes.
The researchers say that given the short time window between TIA and stroke, all people with TIA should have an urgent evaluation to prevent permanent brain damage caused by a stroke.
Photo by Joey Huang on Unsplash
Here are some of the symptoms associated with a transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”):
- Sudden weakness. One of the most common pre-stroke symptoms is weakness in the arms, legs, or face. This problem is often on only one side of the body. Some can’t smile, while others have trouble moving their arms or legs.
- Sudden confusion. For example, you are in mid-conversation and find yourself struggling to understand others or to speak.
- Sudden vision changes. If you have blurred or double vision, get evaluated immediately. Visual loss in one or both eyes is also concerning.
- Sudden balance loss. Those suffering a stroke may lose balance because of muscle weakness or visual problems. You may have trouble walking or with coordination during a stroke.
- Sudden headache. A severe headache that pops up without warning or known cause may be a symptom of a stroke. Some experience vomiting or dizziness with the headache. If you typically have migraine headaches, talk with your healthcare provider about distinguishing between a migraine and a potential stroke.
FAST Test
The National Stroke Association tries to make it easier for us to recognize a stroke. The acronym FAST stands for face, arms, speech, and time. Check the face to see if one side droops. Look at the arms to see if one of them drifts downward. Talk to the person and listen for slurred or strange-sounding speech. If you notice any of these signs, call for help immediately.
- F = Face Drooping — Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb?
- A = Arm Weakness — Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty — Is speech slurred? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
- T = Time to call 000
