The 2 unusual red flags patients notice up to a week before silent killer strikes
Date: 2024-10-29EVERY three minutes and twenty-seven seconds, someone in the UK suffers a stroke.
However, up to 90 per cent of strokes could be prevented.
Some clues can emerge weeks before you suffer one, and prompt treatment can help you stop it from happening.
To mark World Stroke Day, we delve into everything you need to know about strokes.
A stroke is a life-threatening brain attack, which occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off.
According to the NHS, there are over 100,000 people experience strokes every year in the UK and they’re responsible for over 38,000 deaths.
And there are nearly 1.3 million people living in the UK who have survived a stroke – many of whom are now living with disabilities.
Previous research published in The Lancet discovered that strokes are up to 90 per cent preventable.
The likelihood of experiencing a stroke doubles every decade after you reach 55.
So as you get older you should be hyper-aware of any warning signs.
Here are the red flag signs to look out for:
1. A mini-stroke or TIA
A mini-stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain is temporarily blocked.
Also referred to as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). or a ‘warning stroke’, its symptoms are similar to those of a stroke – a droopy face, arm weakness and garbled speech.
The only difference is they don’t lead to permanent damage to the brain cells, which a stroke can do.
But people who experience a TIA often go on to have a full-blown stroke – a serious life-threatening medical condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off – in the days or weeks following.
Each year in the UK 46,000 people have a TIA and one in 12 then go on to have a major stroke.
Brian May's 'mini stroke'
Queen guitarist Brian May has revealed he has suffered a stroke that saw him lose control of his left arm.
The legendary musician, 77, shared a video on his website, saying: “I’m here to bring you first of all some news.
“The good news is that I can play guitar after the events of the last few days.
“I say this because it was in some doubt because that little health hiccup happened about a week ago. What they called it was a ‘minor stroke’.
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, I didn’t have any control over this arm, so it was a little scary.”
Describing his recovery, Brian said he is essentially “grounded” because doctors have told him not to do anything that could raise his heart rate too much.
Read more on Sir Brian’s “health hiccup” here.
2. Sudden delirium
Some people report sudden delirium weeks before they have a stroke, according to a study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Sudden delirium, or confusion, often leaves those affected unable to think or speak clearly.
If you believe someone is experiencing delirium, the NHS suggests asking the person their name, their age and today’s date.
If they seem unsure or cannot answer you, they probably need medical help.
3. AF: Atrial Fibrillation
One other important ‘red flag’ is atrial fibrillation or AF.
It is the most common kind of irregular heartbeat and can increase your danger of stroke by up to five times, according to the NHS.
If you get to know your pulse, you can spot AF, and receive medication as well as downgrade your risk.
To get an accurate heart rate reading, you should ideally check your pulse every day, preferably at the same time, the British Heart Foundation, says.
Place your fingers on the inside of your wrist, and count the number of beats you feel for 30 seconds.
Then, multiply this by two to get the total beats per minute.
A ‘normal pulse’ will be between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but if you have AF it can go up to 140 times a minute.
Also, be aware of irregularities in your heartbeat.
If you are concerned, speak to your doctor.
Get to know your pulse, and don’t dismiss any symptoms as a ‘funny turn’ without consulting a health professional.
What are the symptoms of a stroke while it’s happening?
The FAST method – which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, Time – is the easiest way to remember the most common symptoms of stroke:
F = Face drooping – if one side of a person’s face is dropped or numb then ask them to smile, if it’s uneven then you should seek help.
A = Arm weakness – if one arm is weak or numb then you should ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downwards then you might need to get help
S = Speech difficulty – if a person’s speech is slurred then this could be a sign of a stroke
T = Time to call 999 – if a person has the signs above then you need to call 999 in the UK or 911 in the US for emergency care.
What are the causes of a stroke and how can it be prevented?
Ischaemic stroke, the most common form of the condition, occurs when a blood clot prevents the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain.
This is typically caused by arteries becoming narrower over time.
While arteries can narrow naturally with age, other factors, some of which are preventable, can accelerate the process:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Drinking too much alcohol
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Having diabetes
The less common haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain, which is usually the result of high blood pressure.
Again, the factors which contribute to high blood pressure can often be prevented:
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Stress, which can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure
Don't delay... if you spot signs of a stroke dial 999 immediately
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
A STROKE is a medical emergency, that’s why knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
It happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing off cells. The damage caused can affect how the body works, and the effects depend on where in the brain a stroke strikes.
There are three different types of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke – where a blockage, like a blood clot, cuts off the blood supply to the brain
- Haemorrhagic stroke – caused by a bleed in or around the brain
- Transient ischaemic attack – also known as a ‘mini stroke’, this is a big warning sign of a full-blown stroke. It’s similar to a stroke but symptoms are shorter lived.
Every stroke is different but they can affect a patient’s ability to speak, move, think and feel. They can cause behavioural changes as well as emotional challenges.
They can happen to any of us, regardless of our age. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on the warning signs.
The faster you get medical help and treatment, the more likely it is that the damage caused can be reversed and stopped in its tracks.
There’s a handy acronym that helps identify the symptoms of a stroke. If you spot these yourself, or in a loved one, do not delay – dial 999 immediately, and tell the call handler you suspect a stroke.
ACT Fast:
- Face weakness – can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness – can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems – can the person speak clearly and understand what you’re saying?
- Time to call 999 – if you see any of these signs, get help.
This test helps spot three key signs, but there are other symptoms to be aware of too.
They include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight, sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or a sudden fall and a sudden, severe headache.
When it comes to a stroke, the bottom line is take these symptoms seriously. It may well be something more minor, but it pays to be alert and act fast. Not only could it save your life, but it could save you, or a loved one, from long-term, devastating side effects.
For more information about stroke, visit the Stroke Association or the NHS website. And you can read more from the Sun’s Health team on the subject of stroke here.
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