A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to the death of brain cells. This interruption can be caused by a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain or by a ruptured artery that causes bleeding into surrounding tissues. (1)

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Seeking prompt medical attention can significantly reduce brain damage and the risk of complications. Therefore, recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is crucial.

Are There Symptoms That Occur Before a Stroke?

While strokes often happen suddenly without warning, there are some early warning signs that you should never ignore. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms: (3)(2)

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Changes in facial expressions, such as one side of the mouth drooping when trying to smile.
• Difficulty speaking clearly or trouble understanding speech.
• Vision problems in one or both eyes.
• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause, especially if accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, neck stiffness, or loss of consciousness.
• Difficulty walking or moving, including trouble standing.
• Sudden dizziness and loss of balance.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Warning Sign

Stroke symptoms may sometimes disappear after a short period, making you feel fine. However, it is critical not to ignore these symptoms and to seek medical attention immediately.

Temporary symptoms might indicate a mini-stroke, also known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). A TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, usually for a few minutes or hours, without causing permanent damage. However, a TIA is a serious warning sign that a full stroke could occur if medical intervention is not sought promptly. (5)(4)

What Should You Do If You Notice These Symptoms?

If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, act immediately and call emergency services. To help identify a stroke quickly, healthcare professionals recommend using the "FAST" test, a simple tool to recognize stroke symptoms and take action promptly: (4)

• F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
• A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
• T (Time): If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Every minute counts in preventing permanent brain damage.

Remember: Time is critical when dealing with a stroke! Don’t hesitate to visit the Emergency Department at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, where your condition will be assessed quickly, and appropriate treatment will be provided without delay.

Preventing Stroke: What Can You Do?

There are several steps you can take to lower your risk of stroke, including: (2)

• Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Managing blood pressure and diabetes by following a healthy lifestyle and taking prescribed medications.
• Quitting smoking if you are a smoker.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Exercising regularly.
• Following a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Avoiding foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats.
• Drinking adequate amounts of water daily.
• Avoiding alcohol consumption.

References

1. American Stroke Association - About Stroke
2.  Mayo Clinic - Stroke - Symptoms and causes
3. American Stroke Association - Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs
4. CDC - Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
5. NHS - Symptoms of a stroke