Come on, let’s be honest: who has never brushed off a little dizziness or sudden fatigue, thinking “It’s just tiredness; it will pass”? Well, sometimes, these little signals are actually alerts from your body telling you: “Hey, be careful, something’s off here!”
And when it comes to a stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident), it’s better to listen to these signals BEFORE it’s too late. Because yes, in many cases, the body warns several days or even weeks before a stroke strikes. Recognizing the signs and especially acting in time is crucial.
Come on, let’s take a look together at these 10 warning signs that you should never ignore (and no, this is not just an excuse to take a day off in “I’m preventing a stroke” mode 😅).
Quick reminder: what is a stroke and why is it so serious?
To keep it simple, a stroke is when the brain does not receive enough blood (and thus, not enough oxygen). The result? Brain cells start to die within minutes.
There are three types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke (the most common): A blood clot or cholesterol plaque blocks an artery, preventing blood from reaching the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: A blood vessel bursts in the brain, causing bleeding (less common but often more serious).
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A mini-stroke that resolves on its own within a few minutes. Bad news? It often heralds a real stroke in the following weeks.
So it’s fair to say that if your body sends you signals in advance, you would do well to listen to them.
10 signs that your body might give you a month before a stroke
1. Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
A “dead” arm, a dragging leg, a tingling sensation? It’s not good. If you notice unexplained weakness on one side of your body, don’t take it lightly.
2. Vision problems (blurriness, double vision or “tunnel vision”)
One day you see perfectly, and the next day, everything becomes blurry or distorted? You don’t just need a new pair of glasses. Losing vision in one eye or experiencing tunnel vision (where you only see what’s in front of you) can be a huge red flag.
3. Difficulty speaking (or understanding what is being said)
Are you struggling to find your words? Are you slurring while perfectly sober? If someone is talking to you and you’re having trouble understanding, it’s a real warning sign. (And no, it’s not just because you’re tired or distracted.)
4. Unexplained exhaustion
Are you sleeping 8 hours yet feeling drained all day? If your energy level is at zero, and you haven’t changed your habits, it’s time to consult a doctor.
5. Dizziness and loss of balance
If you start swaying like a boat for no reason, it’s not just a drop in blood pressure. A stroke can cause sudden dizziness and a total loss of coordination.
6. Severe and unusual headaches
Are you rarely prone to migraines and suddenly BAM, a headache that pins you to bed? If it’s intense, sudden, and accompanied by other symptoms (nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances), don’t let it linger.
7. Sudden spike in blood pressure
If your blood pressure is fluctuating or shooting upwards for no reason, it might be a sign that something’s not right with your brain. (A small check-up at the doctor wouldn’t hurt!)
8. Auditory or visual hallucinations
Seeing things that aren’t there, hearing imaginary sounds, detecting strange smells… This isn’t just in horror movies; it can be a neurological warning sign.
9. Unexplained pain in the face or limbs
If your arm or leg hurts for no apparent reason, it could be related to poor blood circulation. Don’t ignore this kind of unusual pain.
10. Memory loss and confusion
Are you looking for your keys when they are in your hand? Do you forget what you wanted to say in the middle of a sentence? Sudden confusion or memory lapses should be monitored closely.
So, what to do if you spot one of these signs?
👉 DON’T PLAY THE HERO. If you or someone around you shows one or more of these symptoms, call a doctor immediately.
👉 Adopt the right reflexes to prevent a stroke:
✅ Avoid excess salt and fat
✅ Exercise (even a simple daily walk! )
✅ Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol
✅ Reduce your alcohol consumption and quit smoking
✅ Manage your stress and get enough sleep
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Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
