A Month Before a Stroke: Recognize the Warning Signs
“Recognizing subtle signals can save your life.”
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to potentially severe consequences. What many people don’t realize is that your body often provides early warning signs weeks—or even a month—before a stroke occurs. Identifying and acting on these early symptoms can make the difference between life and death.
Early Warning Signs of Stroke
One of the most significant indicators of a possible stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke.” A TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, leading to symptoms that mimic a stroke but typically resolve within minutes or hours. While a TIA might seem minor, it’s a critical warning sign that a major stroke could follow.
Common Early Symptoms to Watch For
- Sudden Weakness or Numbness
- Particularly on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations in extremities.
- Difficulty Speaking or Understanding
- Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words.
- Difficulty understanding conversations.
- Vision Changes
- Blurred, double, or partial loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden difficulty focusing.
- Dizziness or Loss of Balance
- Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
- Trouble walking or frequent stumbling.
- Severe Headaches
- Sudden, intense headache with no clear cause.
- Often described as the “worst headache of your life.”
- Unexplained Fatigue
- Persistent tiredness or lethargy not related to physical activity.
- Feeling drained, even after rest.
- Confusion or Cognitive Changes
- Memory lapses or difficulty concentrating.
- Feeling disoriented or “foggy.”
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Discomfort or choking while eating or drinking.
Less Common but Notable Signs
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