Brain Stroke Explained: Early Symptoms, Causes, and How You Can Take Action

Think of your brain like your favorite car engine; it needs a smooth supply of fuel to run efficiently. If dirt blocks the fuel line, the engine could sputter and stop. Similarly, when blood flow to your brain is blocked, it can lead to a brain stroke. This means your brain cells don’t get adequate blood, oxygen, and nutrients, causing serious damage within minutes. A stroke can cause speech, movement, or even consciousness impairment. 

That’s why spotting early signs such as sudden numbness, confusion, or trouble speaking becomes crucial. Acting fast can save brain function and even life. Read this blog to know the early symptoms and what steps you can take immediately if someone shows these warning signs.

But first, let's explore

How Does a Stroke Happen?

A stroke happens when blood flow to a region of the brain is cut off due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc, so brain cells don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they require.

Due to this inadequate blood supply to brain cells starts to get damaged and can die quickly. This can lead to issues with movement, speech, or thinking.

The Types of Stroke

There are mainly 2 types of stroke:

• Ischemic strokes (87% of all strokes): This is the most common type. These are strokes caused by the blockage of an artery (or, in rare cases, a vein).
• Hemorrhagic stroke (About 13% of all strokes): These are strokes that happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts and starts to bleed.

What are the Causes of Brain Stroke

There are many causes of a brain stroke that lead to blockage in the blood supply to the brain, contributing to a stroke.

Here are some brain stroke potential causes:

1. High Blood Pressure

Persistent high blood pressure (or hypertension) damages artery walls and may make them more likely to narrow or rupture. This leads to blockage or bleeding in the brain.

2. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis means fatty plaques pile up inside the arteries. This reduces blood flow or forms clots that block the blood supply to the brain.

3. Blood Clots

Formed clots (embolism or thrombosis) from the heart or neck arteries can enter and block brain vessels, leading to ischemic stroke.

4. Atrial Fibrillation

Irregular heartbeats cause blood to pool and form clots. These can then enter the brain’s blood supply and block arteries.

5. Diabetes

High blood sugar or glucose levels are known to damage blood vessels and speed up atherosclerosis. This can increase the risk of stroke.

6. Sickle Cell Disease

Abnormally rigid-shaped blood cells (RBCs) can assemble and block small brain vessels. This leads to strokes, especially in younger patients.

7. Brain Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

AVMs mean a bulge in a weak area of a blood vessel in or surrounding of brain. If they get a rupture, this can cause a hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding in the brain. Then it can be a life-threatening situation.

8. Smoking and Substance Abuse

Chemicals from smoking or illegal drugs thicken blood, increase clotting risk, and damage artery walls. This can raise stroke chances.

Note: It is for informational use only. This content is not a replacement for medical advice; a medical professional will determine the exact reasons behind ant stroke case.

What are the Symptoms of Brain Stroke

The following can be the early symptoms of a brain stroke that you need to be aware of for timely action:

1. Sudden One-Sided Weakness/Paralysis of the Body or Face

This may happen when a stroke damages pathways controlling movement (motor areas in the frontal lobe).

2. Aphasia (Issue Speaking or Understanding Others)

This could happen when a stroke damages the brain region (left frontal or temporal lobes) that controls language.

3. Sudden Vision Abnormality or Vision Loss

This could happen when a stroke damages the brain’s visual processing center (occipital lobe).

4. Loss of Balance, Coordination/Dizziness

This may happen when a stroke damages the brain part  (cerebellum) that controls movement and balance.

5. Sudden Confusion

This may happen when a stroke affects the cognition and processing center of the brain (frontal or parietal lobes).

6. Severe Unexplained Headache

May indicate a hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding inside the brain.

7. Trouble Swallowing or Breathing Issues

Symptoms of a stroke occur when it damages the brain stem, which manages vital functions.
 

When to See a Doctor

You should seek emergency help when you or someone else shows BE FAST signs of stroke.

• B - Balance: Trouble walking, dizziness/loss of coordination.
• E - Eyes: Sudden blurred vision/loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• F - Face: One-sided facial drooping occurs while smiling.
• A - Arms: When lifting both arms, one drifts downward.
• S - Speech: Slurred speech or unable to understand what others are saying.
• T - Time: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services right away, as every second counts.

Conclusion

Every second matters in a stroke. Recognizing the BE FAST symptoms (Balance, Eyes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time) and prevention tips are the key to avoiding brain damage.

Prevention tips for stroke:

• Say yes to healthy foods and drinks
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Go for regular physical activity
• Don't smoke and drink
• Lower cholesterol and diabetes

And for expert advice, Contact Surya Hospitals, known for its comprehensive stroke care and recovery.

FAQs

Q1. What are the beginning stages of a stroke?

A: The beginning stages of a stroke may include (BE FAST symptoms):

• Sudden weakness
• Numbness
• Confusion
• trouble speaking
• vision problems

Q2: What is stage 1 of stroke?
A: The first stage, right after a stroke, is flaccidity (lacking firmness and being soft). Signs include facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech, which means quick medical help is crucial.

Q3: What are one month before a stroke warning signs?
One month before a stroke, warning signs may include:

• Constant headaches
• Blurred vision
• Intermittent numbness
• Difficulty speaking

These indicate early brain blood flow issues.