A seemingly harmless symptom can be an early warning sign of a stroke. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, and is responsible for an incredible 38,000 deaths each year in the UK alone, he writes.
The most common variant is ischemic stroke, which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts and causes bleeding in the brain.
Many people recognize the current symptoms of a stroke, such as a drooping face, slurred speech, or the inability to raise their arms. During a stroke, every minute counts, so it is essential to call for medical help as soon as possible. Although stroke symptoms usually appear very suddenly, there is one potential early indicator.
According to a 2020 study published in the journal BioMed central, 15% of the 550 participants experienced a warning headache before the ischemic stroke. “A tension-type headache is defined as an event that occurs one week before a stroke,” Healthline reports. These headaches were either of a severe nature, or were different from any previous headache. They started within one week before the stroke and tended to persist until the onset of stroke symptoms. However, not all participants felt them.
Research has also shown that a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – often referred to as a mini stroke – can also be a warning sign. However, one 2021 study found that the number of people who have a stroke within 90 days of a TIA has decreased in recent years. This may be due to the preventive measures people implement after experiencing a TIA (medications, lifestyle changes, etc.).
A TIA often has the same symptoms as a stroke, but may last only a few minutes or hours. Even if these symptoms disappear, you should seek medical attention immediately. In addition to the symptoms (face, hands and speech), according to the British National Health Organization (NHS), other symptoms may also occur:
- Complete paralysis of one side of the body
- Sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or double vision
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Difficulty understanding what others are saying
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Difficulty swallowing
Although these symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have had a TIA, you should call 112 immediately and ask for an ambulance. “Even if the symptoms disappear while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, a hospital examination is necessary,” supplied by the NHS.
