It’s not always possible to predict a stroke, but some people may he warning signs that need attention.
A severe or unusual headacheAlthough this isn’t the case for all strokes, in some situations, a certain kind of headache may be an early indicator of a pending stroke.
According to a 2020 study of 550 adults, a sentinel headache was found to precede an ischemic stroke in 15% of study participants. A sentinel headache is defined as a headache that occurs before an event, defined as 1 week before a stroke in this case.
The authors of the study noted that these headaches were either severe in nature or different from any previous headache.
Additionally, these headaches started within 7 days of a stroke and often lasted until stroke symptoms happened. It was also found that participants who had a sentinel headache before a stroke were more likely to he had atrial fibrillation — a type of arrhythmia — than participants in the control group who didn’t he a stroke.
What is an ischemic stroke?An ischemic stroke is a type of stroke that’s caused by a blockage, usually due to a blood clot, in one of the blood vessels that supplies the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
A less common type of stroke is a hemorrhagic stroke. It’s caused by an artery in the brain that leaks or ruptures.
A sentinel headache is also considered to be a sign of an impending aneurysm rupture. It’s important to take any unusual or severe headache seriously, as it could be a predictor of a more serious health event.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA)Another possible warning sign of a stroke is a TIA, also known as a “ministroke.” A TIA occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted for a short period of time. While the symptoms of a TIA can mimic those of a stroke, the symptoms usually disappear within an hour and rarely cause permanent damage. In some cases, symptoms can persist for up to 24 hours.
Although the symptoms of a TIA usually don’t last long, it’s important to get medical attention, even if the symptoms go away. While a TIA usually resolves quickly, it may be a sign that a more serious stroke could happen down the road. In fact, it’s estimated that about one-third of people who he a TIA will he a more severe stroke in the future.
Interestingly, a recent study confirmed that while hing a TIA can be a precursor to a stroke, the number of people experiencing an acute stroke within 90 days of a TIA has decreased in recent years. This could be an indication that preventive measures following a TIA are effective at preventing stroke.
What are the symptoms of a TIA?Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but they usually resolve quickly. If you notice any of the following symptoms, get medical attention right away:
paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, usually in the face, arms or legsdifficulty speaking or understandingloss of balance or coordination, trouble walkingtrouble seeing in one or both eyesconfusionheadachedizzinessGetting a medical evaluation within 60 minutes of the start of symptoms can help identify the cause of the TIA. This can help ensure that you get the right type of treatment which may lower your risk of a future stroke.
According to research, up to 80% of strokes after a TIA are preventable, based on timely diagnosis and treatment.
In the event of an acute stroke, people who are able to get treatment within 3 hours of symptom onset experience better treatment outcomes with fewer long-term issues.