6 early warning signs of stroke
Early recognition of stroke warning signs helps patients receive timely and effective emergency care and treatment.
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and timely medical intervention is essential to minimize dangerous consequences. Below are 6 early warning signs of a stroke that you need to know to promptly take measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Mouth distortion, facial weakness
According to an article on the website of Tam Anh General Hospital with professional advice by Master, Doctor Quang Thanh Ngan, one of the easily recognizable signs of stroke in men is a crooked mouth or facial muscle weakness.
When the brain is ischemic, especially due to a blockage of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the muscles that control facial expressions are also weakened, making it impossible for the person to smile or curl their lips normally. This symptom usually occurs quickly and clearly, and may be accompanied by numbness or slight twitching on the affected side of the face.
To test, ask the person to smile or frown on command. If one side droops, twitches, or becomes unable to move as desired, this could be a dangerous sign of a stroke that needs attention.
Difficulty moving, weak or numb limbs, body
Before a stroke, men may experience sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, especially in the arms and legs. At this time, the patient may not be able to lift the arm or walk unsteadily, losing balance.
This symptom occurs mainly due to damage to the motor cortex, located in the frontal lobe. This is a common stroke symptom in men that needs to be detected early. If not intervened promptly, the risk of recovering motor function after a stroke may decrease.
Severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance
A sudden and severe headache accompanied by dizziness and loss of balance can be a dangerous sign of stroke in men. The pain feels like a strong electric pulse causing a sharp and tightening sensation in the head, making the patient dizzy, having difficulty maintaining balance and falling.
This symptom is mainly related to damage to the cerebellum – the organ that coordinates movement and controls balance. When blood flow to the cerebellum is interrupted, the patient will have difficulty moving or standing.
Reduced vision
The article on the Medaltec General Hospital website has medical consultation from Dr. Duong Ngoc Van, who said that people with strokes often have vision problems in the period before the stroke occurs. Therefore, this is also considered one of the 6 warning signs of an impending stroke.
Vision problems in stroke patients arise from insufficient blood supply to the brain. This causes abnormalities such as:
- Blurred vision or loss of vision.
- Near or far vision is worse than normal.
- Vision has the appearance of dark shadows or blind spots.
Weakness in limbs
Before a stroke occurs, the patient is likely to experience numbness or weakness on one side of the body. This sign is due to the brain being deprived of oxygen and blood.
In this warning sign of an impending stroke, the patient will have the following symptoms:
- One side of the body, most commonly in the legs, arms, or face, feels numb, weak, and has difficulty moving.
- Difficulty moving or lifting heavy objects.
- Feeling like needles or loss of sensation.
Difficulty speaking or understanding what others say
A stroke can affect the area of the brain that controls language, causing the patient to suddenly have difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying. Specifically, the patient will experience:
- Stuttering, difficulty pronouncing or loss of speech.
- Difficulty or inability to understand what others say.
- Confused and can't remember words to express.