Let’s be clear: a stroke doesn’t give you a heads up with a text “Hey, I’m arriving tomorrow, get ready!”. However, your body often tries to alert you well before it happens. Problem? Many people miss these signals and find themselves in the hospital thinking “I didn’t see this coming”.
So, if you want to avoid troubles and protect your health (or that of your loved ones), here are the 10 signs your body may send you up to a month before a stroke. Don’t take them lightly!
What exactly is a stroke?
Quick crash course (promise, it won’t take long). A Cerebral Vascular Accident, or stroke, occurs when your brain no longer receives blood (and thus no oxygen). Result? Neurons start dying within minutes.
There are three types:
- Ischemic stroke: The most common, caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Less common but more serious, it occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A mini-stroke that resolves on its own… except it often signals a real stroke in the days or weeks that follow.
If your body sends you signals beforehand, it’s time to act.
The 10 warning signs not to ignore
1. Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
If you have trouble lifting one arm, if your leg drags, or if your face looks “frozen” on one side, it’s not just a cramp. It’s a huge red flag.
2. Sudden vision problems
One day you see perfectly, and the next moment, your vision blurs, becomes double, or partially disappears? Bad news: it could be a warning sign of a stroke.
3. Difficulty speaking or understanding
If you start to slur your words, struggle to find your words, or no longer understand what someone is saying when everything was fine before, it’s time to see a doctor.
4. Intense and unexplained fatigue
If you feel exhausted even after a good night’s sleep, that’s not normal. A stroke can manifest as a drained battery feeling long before it strikes.
5. Loss of balance or dizziness
Do you feel like everything is spinning around you while you’re sitting quietly? It’s not just fatigue. A stroke can affect your coordination and give you that feeling of imbalance.
6. Severe and unusual headache
Migraines are one thing. But a sudden, intense, and unusual pain, especially if you don’t typically suffer from headaches, is a sign that should alert you.
7. Rapidly rising blood pressure
Blood pressure shooting up suddenly for no apparent reason is like a fire alarm for your brain. It’s time for a medical check-up.
8. Strange hallucinations
Hearing voices, seeing things that don’t exist, or smelling nonexistent odors is not necessarily your imagination. It could be a concerning neurological sign.
9. Unexplained pain
A sore arm, leg, or even face for no reason? That’s not to be taken lightly. A stroke can affect nerves and cause this type of unusual pain.
10. Memory loss and confusion
If you forget simple things or find yourself in a room not knowing why, your brain may be sending you a message.
What to do if you experience one of these symptoms?
👉 Don’t play the fortune teller. A stroke can’t be detected with the naked eye, so go see a doctor if you experience one or more of these symptoms.
👉 Knowing the risk factors can save you a lot of trouble:
✅ Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol
✅ Quit (or at least reduce) tobacco and alcohol
✅ Move! A little exercise significantly reduces risks
✅ Adopt a balanced diet, less salt, and saturated fats
✅ Learn to manage your stress and sleep well
Don’t keep this information to yourself, share it!
Do you know someone who might need to read this? Share this article with your loved ones, it could save their life.
