Stroke is still an extremely dangerous enemy, mainly due to late diagnosis.
Many people ignore the symptoms of impending disaster for a long time, and as it turns out, warning signs can be observed before an incident occurs.
Stroke (both hemorrhagic and ischemic) is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the blood supply to the cerebral arteries is cut off. It can happen when an artery is clogged with a clot or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, creating the so-called hemorrhage.
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and accounts for approximately 85% all cases. Regardless of the immediate cause, quick action saves the lives and health of stroke patients. Every minute is worth its weight in gold!
Symptoms of a stroke
As a society, we are increasingly becoming aware of what a stroke looks like, which brings positive effects. More and more people are able to recognise the typical symptoms of this life-threatening condition.
However, apart from the classic symptoms, there are several harbingers of this dangerous event. One of them may be very misleading.
Characteristic symptoms of a stroke
- Drooping (or crookedness) of one side of the face.
- Drooping corner of the mouth.
- Disturbed facial expressions (often one-sided)
- Numbness in one hand.
- Arm paresis - the patient cannot raise and keep their arms in the air.
- Speech disorders - distortions and disturbances, including frequent gibberish, difficulties in pronouncing or using words correctly, the patient seems to have forgotten how to speak.
There are other warning signs that may precede a stroke. Among the extremely often neglected and disconcerting symptoms are sudden vomiting and nausea.
It is also worth paying attention to other, often non-obvious symptoms that can be easily underestimated, especially in the case of less fit elderly people.
Unusual stroke symptoms
- Unilateral body weakness.
- Changes in vision or loss of peripheral vision.
- Loss of coordination and/or balance.
- Unsteady gait
- Dizziness.
- Sudden, severe headache.
- Feeling very tired.
- Numbness and tingling on one side of the body.
- Complete or partial loss of sensation on one side of the body.
People suffering from a stroke are often unable to call for help or even say exactly what they feel. Experts agree: how quickly the family or bystanders react to such an event usually determines the success of treatment and even decides about life or death.
If you suspect a stroke, you need to act very quickly. If we notice such disturbing symptoms in someone, the only right action is to immediately call an ambulance.
How to minimise the risk of stroke
The best way to effectively fight strokes is to prevent them. A healthy lifestyle and physical activity can effectively minimise the risk of stroke. It is worth following the tips below.
How to minimise the risk of stroke?
- Maintain normal blood pressure.
- Eat healthily, maintain a balanced diet.
- Be physically active.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, take care to restore your optimal weight.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Take care of your metabolic health – maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Monitor these indicators of your health regularly.
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This article was originally published on Onet Woman.