What Happens Right Before A Stroke? Here Are 5 Warning Signs

What is a stroke?

A stroke (sometimes known as a brain attack) is a life-threatening condition where blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This may be caused by a blockage of blood flow or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.

When a stroke occurs, parts of the brain become damaged or die, possibly causing permanent brain damage, long-term disability or even death. This makes immediate treatment paramount.

5 Warning Signs

There are a few symptoms that happen right before a stroke. One helpful acronym to keep in mind is “BEFAST”, and this might make it easier for you to spot the symptoms for yourself or others. Pay attention to the following:

1. Brain lesions

Loss of balance, severe headaches with no known cause or dizziness

2. Eyes

Blurred vision or sudden loss of vision

3. Face

Drooping on one side of the face or a sensation of weakness around the face

4. Arms

Weakness in the limbs or other extremities

5. Speech

Difficulty speaking or slurred speech

6. Time

Take note of the time of onset of symptoms and call an ambulance immediately

Ischaemic vs haemorrhagic stroke

An ischemic stroke refers to stroke caused by a sudden disruption of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by fatty deposits lining the vessel walls or a blood clot. A haemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, refers to a stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain.

Both types of strokes are equally life-threatening and can have lasting effects.

What do you do if you or someone suffers from a stroke?

Always remember that a stroke is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention. The first thing you should do is call an ambulance. It is important to also note the time of the first onset of symptoms. If the person suffering from a stroke has no pulse or is not breathing, perform CPR.

It is also important not to let the person go to sleep or talk you out of calling the ambulance. No medication, food or drinks should be provided to the patient as well.

The earlier one gets treatment, the higher their chances of minimising damage to the brain.

Can stroke be cured?

A chance of cure largely depends on the severity of the stroke and how much damage the brain has suffered. Treatment is usually first done to restore normal blood flow to the brain, followed by rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is an important part of managing stroke recovery and is tailored towards the patient’s condition.

Treatment options

It is important to note what kind of stroke the patient has suffered from. Usually, a brain scan is done to confirm the diagnosis of the stroke.

Ischaemic Strokes

Alteplase injections — this dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow to the brain.
Thrombectomy — this involves the insertion of a catheter into an artery and removing the blood clot via suction or other devices. It helps treat ischaemic strokes caused by a blood clot in the large artery of the brain.
Aspirin and other antiplatelet medication — Aspirin is generally given right after having an ischaemic stroke. These medications reduce the chances of blood clot formation.
Anticoagulants — these medications alter the chemical composition of blood to prevent blood from coagulating, hence reducing the chances of blood clot formation.
Blood pressure medication — these are prescribed when your blood pressure levels are too high, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta blockers. Statins may also be prescribed to lower your cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme in the liver that produces cholesterol.
Carotid endarterectomy — in the event of a blockage or narrowing in the carotid artery caused by fatty deposits (carotid stenosis), a carotid endarterectomy may be done. This involves an incision in our neck to remove these fatty deposits.

Haemorrhagic Strokes

Surgical intervention — this is an emergency surgery done to remove blood from the brain and repair burst blood vessels, also known as a craniotomy. A minimally invasive option, known as the endoscopic removal of the blood clot, can be done as well.
Surgery to treat hydrocephalus — a complication of haemorrhagic strokes is hydrocephalus, a condition where cerebrospinal fluid and pressure builds up in the cavities of the brain. Surgical intervention involves using a shunt to drain fluid from these spaces.
Surgery to reinforce the blood flow to the damaged and ischaemic brain area — Vascular bypass surgery can be done to restore the blood flow to the critically ischaemic brain area.

Early treatment is crucial

Hopefully this article has helped you better identify stroke signs and symptoms, as well as the possible treatment options. Early is crucial for early treatment to prevent damage to the brain.

It is also important to keep good blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Remember to go for regular check-ups and consult your doctor for a personalised treatment plan to minimise your risk of a stroke.