Are you aware of the symptoms of a stroke? Although there are some differences in signs between men and women, universal symptoms should not be overlooked. It's interesting to note that stroke is a major cause of death among women. According to the CDC, women's risk increases after the age of 55, with one in five women likely to have a stroke between the ages of 55 and 75. It ranks as the fifth leading cause of death, claiming as many lives as prostate cancer and dementia combined.
It's crucial to act swiftly upon noticing stroke symptoms.
In 2018, strokes accounted for one in every six deaths, highlighting the importance of awareness and education about this critical health issue. The American Stroke Association has devised an easy-to-remember acronym, F.A.S.T., which could be lifesaving.
F - Face drooping or unusual sensations
A - Arm weakness, or inability to raise them
S - Speech difficulties or trouble moving the mouth
T - Time to call for emergency assistance
There are increased risk factors and symptoms of a stroke that are often overlooked.
While these are the most evident symptoms of a stroke, there are many others that you must consider.
Here are 15 warning signs or things that put you at a higher risk that you must familiarize yourself with immediately.
1. HALLUCINATIONS
One of the primary symptoms of a stroke is changes in vision. However, hallucinations are also common. Issues with posterior circulation within the brain can affect the occipital lobes.
These lobes may cause individuals to see or hear things that aren't present, similar to psychosis. If someone you know begins to experience severe mental changes and sees unusual things, do not immediately attribute it to mental illness until they have been medically evaluated. It is particularly concerning if it occurs alongside any other symptoms on this list.
2. HICCUPS
Hiccups are a frequent issue that may arise from ingesting too much air. However, they can also indicate a problem with circulation in or around the brain stem. While a single episode of hiccups is not cause for alarm, persistent hiccups over a certain period warrant medical evaluation.
3. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
Are you aware that women who use birth control pills have an increased risk of stroke? Regrettably, a study revealed that only 11 percent of these women are informed about the risks. Oral contraceptives can more than double the risk of a stroke, which might outweigh the benefits.
These pills contain estrogen, which heightens the risk of blood clots. If a woman on birth control pills experiences a rise in blood pressure, it is crucial that she consults her doctor immediately.
4. EARLY MENOPAUSE
Transitioning from monthly menstruation to menopause alters a woman's stroke risk, particularly if this change occurs before the age of 45. Additionally, women who begin menstruating before the age of ten also face a higher risk of stroke.
During menstruation, a woman produces high levels of hormones, especially estrogen. Variations in the duration of hormone production can increase her likelihood of having a stroke.
5. NUMBNESS ON ONE SIDE OF BODY
Men are more likely to experience numbness that extends down one side of their body during a stroke. Women may also experience numbness, but it is more common for men to have it affect an entire side. Immediate medical attention is crucial if numbness begins at the head and extends down one side of the body.
6. MIGRAINES OR CHRONIC HEADACHES
Chronic migraines are a debilitating issue, and any persistent headaches should be assessed. It's interesting to note that these headaches are more prevalent in women. An aura, which is a visual disturbance, often signals the onset of one of these intense headaches.
Migraines are particularly hazardous as they constrict the brain's blood vessels, potentially cutting off blood supply to certain areas. Consequently, interference with blood flow can heighten the risk of a stroke.
7. MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES
Although mental health problems are not typically stroke symptoms, there is an increased risk associated with high blood pressure. Stress is a common companion to anxiety and depression, predisposing individuals to brain-related incidents.
Stress impacts the brain area known as the amygdala, and complications in this region can raise the likelihood of a blood clot or hemorrhage.
8. ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AFIB)
AFib is a serious condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Often, individuals are unaware of this condition until a severe incident occurs. An irregular heartbeat means the body isn't oxygenating organs efficiently.
The brain requires oxygen to operate, and AFib can also lead to clot formation. The risk of stroke is greatly increased by AFib.
9. AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS
Autoimmune diseases are increasingly common. Unfortunately, individuals with these conditions have a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. Inflammation, a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, can lead to complications. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and celiac disease are some of the most frequently diagnosed autoimmune disorders.
10. Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms common to many illnesses, which is why they might be dismissed as indicators of a stroke. However, when there is a blood flow problem in the cerebellum of the brain, these symptoms are more likely to manifest.
An aneurysm, which is the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain, can lead to what are known as intracranial hemorrhage strokes. These conditions can make an individual feel dizzy, nauseated, and have an urge to vomit.
11. TROUBLE BREATHING
When experiencing shortness of breath or chest pains, many people fear they are having a heart attack, which can indeed be a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke.
This area is particularly sensitive due to the respiratory centers and nerves located here. Immediate evaluation of any discomfort in this region is crucial, as timely intervention can halt a stroke.
12. LOSS OF BALANCE
The loss of coordination or balance, often overlooked by the elderly, can be serious. While many balance issues stem from inner ear problems, the cerebellum also plays a role in balance and coordination. Blood clots or bleeding in this brain region can cause unusual sensations.
13. VISION DISTURBANCES
Visual disturbances, known as auras, are common with migraine headaches, but other types of visual disruptions can occur if the frontal lobes are affected. Stroke symptoms may include derealization or depersonalization, where the world appears distorted or unreal. Pressure on the frontal lobes can disrupt normal vision.
14. BEHAVIORAL CHANGES OR AGITATION
A study has revealed that women often exhibit non-traditional symptoms during a stroke. Unlike men, who may overlook changes in mental status, women are more likely to report such symptoms. Strokes occurring in the frontal lobes affect personality and memory, and women are more prone to experiencing strokes in these areas. Behavioral changes or agitation can indicate a blood flow problem to the brain's frontal region.
Fainting or Seizures:
Fainting or seizures, often dismissed as low blood sugar or stress, could be indicative of a stroke. Women are more susceptible to fainting during a stroke, particularly when the stroke occurs in the brain's posterior regions.
Many individuals may experience stroke symptoms but hesitate to seek medical attention, minimizing the severity until it escalates to unconsciousness and significant harm. The body provides warning signs, and prompt action is crucial.
To err on the side of caution is advisable; seek medical evaluation if stroke symptoms appear abruptly. Timely intervention can often reverse the effects of a stroke. Remember the acronym F-A-S-T to recognize when to seek immediate help.
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