Stroke is now the second leading cause of death globally. According to CDC statistics, one in every six death from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke. It is important everyone recognize the early signs of a stroke.
Stroke can be classified into two;
- Ischemic stroke
- Hemorrhagic stroke.
Ischemic stroke occurs when there is a blockage of blood vessels, therefore, causing a reduction in blood flow in the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke refers to a rupture of the blood vessel resulting in leakage of blood in the brain.
The symptoms presented by both kinds of stroke can be similar or different depending on which part of the brain is affected. Be sure to call an ambulance immediately you notice any potential signs of a stroke.
1. You may think tiredness is causing you to see double:
Vision problems such as blurriness, seeing double and loss of sight in one eye can be a sign of a stroke.
When a blood vessel is blocked it can reduce the amount of oxygen that reaches your eyes, which causes visual problems that may not be followed by any other signs of a stroke.
2. You might think your arm is numb because it is just asleep:
It is very easy for you to assume your arm or leg is possibly numb due to a compressed nerve if you just woke up from a nap.
If you feel numbness on your arm which doesn’t go away in a few minutes, you should call the ambulance at once.
Numbness or weakness on one side of your body is caused due to a decrease in blood flow through the arteries up to the spine.
3. You think that “it’s on the tip of your tongue” feeling due to exhaustion:
A common sign of stroke is sudden cognitive deficits. If you might find it difficult to think of a word sometimes, but if there is a struggle over a long time you can’t think of anything to say or are unable to speak it becomes a great concern.
4. You think Alcohol is behind your wobbliness:
Most people often believe they are having balance problems after having a drink; this shouldn’t be an issue because you won’t have delayed balance problems after a drink.
Balance issues can arise when there is a decrease in blood flow to the brain. If you suddenly begin to stumble, can’t walk straight, or experience sudden dizziness, don’t wait for it to resolve; call an ambulance immediately.
5. You think “slurred speech” is caused by your medication:
Although some drugs such as painkillers can make you have slurred speech as side effects. But if they are not side effects you might be presenting a symptom of stroke and should get medical help immediately.
6. You ascribe that blinding headache up to a migraine:
Do you know stroke can masquerade as migraine headache because they have similar neurological symptoms?
Although it might just be a migraine, if you don’t have them, it could be a stroke. You should treat it as a stroke and call for help immediately.
