If you thought stroke just attacked old people then think again. Even doctors admit that stroke can attack you at any age. The most recent example of how Stroke can kill youngsters is that of Katie May aged 34, a well established social media star who died from stroke in February this year.
In what could be termed as simply shocking, Katie May simply collapsed during a photo shoot and died soon after in hospital. Although she thought she had a pinched nerve, she had actually died from stroke. Here’s what you need to know as the early warning signs of stroke despite of being young.
- Impaired, blurred or loss of vision
Impaired or blurred vision in one or both eyes can be a sign of a stroke. According to statistics, 44% of people who suffered from stroke in the UK experienced loss of vision before the stroke occurred.
- Sudden bouts of dizziness and headache
Dizziness is a strong warning sign of a possible stroke, especially in women younger than 45, according to David Newman, MD and an Associate Professor in the Neurology Department of Hopkins University. So, if you feel sudden dizziness or head swings and blackouts, seek immediate medical help.
- Incoherent language
Slurred and incoherent speech is the earliest warning sign of a stroke. It is also accompanied by sudden confusion and trouble speaking and understanding.
- Sudden numbness in limbs
This is also a common sign of stroke. For instance, Katie May felt as if she had pinched her nerve. This can cause paralysis and collapse. The paralysis is linked to the side of the brain which suffers the stroke.
A quick test of stroke: Extend your arms outwards with the palms facing up for 10 seconds. If one arm falls, it indicates a muscle weakness.
- Pain in one side of the face
A sudden pain in any of your limbs or on one side of your face can be a possible symptom of stroke.
- Headache and migraines
Sharp and severe headache is a common sign of stroke. A study in which participated 588 volunteers has found that those who had sharp headache before the stroke were mostly young people with a medical history of migraines. Also, it has been found that men were more prone to stroke than man. If you experience this symptom, you should immediately undergo a MRI.
- Facial weakness or droopy face
Of you feel one side of your face droopy or almost paralyzed, immediately consult your doctor.
- Fatigue
Studies have found that among patients who experienced ischaemic stroke, women were more prone to exhaustion, disorientation, confusion and fatigue.
- Hiccups
Sudden bout of constant hiccupping can be a sign of stroke attacking the breathing center of the brain.
- Shortness of breath and palpitations
Sudden shortness of breath when a stroke occurs is due to difficulty in breathing. This also causes heart palpitations and rapid heart rate as a result of lack of oxygen. This symptom is predominant in women, but still should not be ignored by men as well. If you experience one of these symptoms, you should immediately call 911.
To prevent stroke, you should eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Also, you should rest and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid smoking and alcohol.