A stroke can be a life-threatening event and generally comes with easily identifiable symptoms. But some of the more unusual symptoms of a stroke go unnoticed. When this occurs, the stroke victim is more likely to die or suffer permanent damage from the stroke than if they had received early treatment.
Significance
The urgency in identifying unusual symptoms of a stroke is to assist someone in receiving prompt and proper medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes account for "more 160,000 deaths each year," ranking it as the "third leading cause of death in the United States."
Considerations
Often we can identify some overt symptoms of stroke such as slurred speech, dizziness, difficulty walking or focusing, but some of the unusual symptoms of stroke are a bit of a challenge. Pay close attention if your neck is stiffer than usual, your sensitivity to light is more heightened and you feel lethargic, as these can be symptoms of a stroke, albeit unusual.
Effects
Often these unusual symptoms might be overlooked as related to stress or environmental conditions, but it is important to listen to your body and seek advice from your health care provider when experiencing anything unusual.
Misconceptions
All strokes are not created equal. There are two kinds of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both can be equally deadly, but their causes and symptoms differ. Of the ischemic type, there exists the "mini-stroke" that can lead to dementia or a massive stroke. These can be considered "silent strokes" and impair functions. The hemorrhagic stroke is bleeding "into or around the brain" and is generally a result from an artery bursting in the brain.
Prevention/Solution
It is important to know your risk factors for a stroke. Some are predetermined by race, genetics and lifestyle habits. Learn how and what to do when you identify unusual symptoms of a stroke and seek medical attention immediately.
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