A stroke is a critical medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. While many assume strokes happen suddenly, the body often gives warning signs weeks or even months in advance.
Research indicates that certain symptoms can appear up to 90 days before a stroke. Identifying these early signs can help you seek medical attention in time and potentially prevent a major stroke.
What Causes a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is obstructed or when a blood vessel bursts, leading to brain cell damage or death. This can result in severe complications such as paralysis, speech difficulties, or even fatal outcomes.
Main Types of Stroke:
- Ischemic Stroke – The most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke – Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding.
- Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – Also known as a “mini-stroke,” where blood flow is temporarily blocked but recovers quickly.
Dr. Giglio stressed that just because a TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, it doesn’t mean the symptoms should be ignored.
“It could indicate that you are at risk of having a stroke within the next 48 hours, and certainly within 7, 30, or even 90 days.”
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: The “BEFAST” Method
Experts recommend using the acronym BEFAST to quickly identify stroke symptoms:
- B (Balance) – Sudden difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
- E (Eyesight) – Vision problems such as blurriness, double vision, or sudden loss of vision.
- F (Face) – One side of the face drooping or an uneven smile.
- A (Arm) – Weakness or numbness in one arm.
- S (Speech) – Difficulty speaking, slurred words, or trouble understanding speech.
- T (Time) – Act immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Dr. Joshua Willey, a stroke neurology expert at Columbia University, added that “T” could also stand for “terrible headache”—a sudden and intense headache.
All three experts emphasized that even if symptoms are brief, they should not be ignored.
Dr. Willey explained:
“Typically, a transient ischemic attack lasts no more than 5 to 10 minutes and certainly under an hour. However, BEFAST symptoms may last only 30 to 60 seconds.”
For this reason, any sudden weakness, blurred vision, or difficulty speaking should prompt immediate medical attention.
Managing Stroke Risk Factors
Taking control of stroke risk factors is essential.
Dr. Itrat highlighted that uncontrolled conditions like high cholesterol and high blood sugar significantly increase stroke risk.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adopting healthier habits, such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, improving diet, and taking necessary medications to manage high blood pressure and reduce stroke risk.