The American Stroke Association describes strokes as an arterial condition that occurs in the blood vessels leading to the brain. In the United States, strokes are the third cause of death, following heart disease and cancer. When a person is having a stroke, it means that something is blocking blood vessels so that he isn't able to carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. There are two kinds of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Blood clots or other obstructions cause ischemic strokes, and ruptured blood vessels cause hemorrhagic strokes. Signs of an oncoming stroke appear suddenly and need immediate medical attention.
Mini-Stroke Signs
The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Strokes states that one of the warning signs of an oncoming stroke is a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. This is a mini-stroke in which a person experiences minor stroke-like symptoms that don't cause permanent damage if treated. Unlike regular stroke signs, TIA signs last only a few minutes or hours.
Sudden Numbness
The American Heart Association states that the first sign of an oncoming stroke is numbness or weakness. This condition occurs on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm and/or leg. The sudden onset of this sign of a stroke affects mobility and causes a tingling sensation of these areas of the body.
Confusion
One of the common signs of an oncoming stroke is sudden confusion and trouble with verbal skill and comprehension. The weakened facial muscles leads to slurred speech in many people and even drooling on one side of the face. Sometimes, people having a stroke may not see these signs, but others around them may worry about their friend or family members' sudden bewilderment.
Eye Trouble
Sudden vision problems occur when a person is experiencing an oncoming stroke. This sign of a stroke causes a person to have vision problems in one or both eyes, according to the American Heart Association. Some people experience blurred vision or completely lose vision in their eyes.
Balance and Coordination
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes states that loss of balance and coordination are signs of an oncoming stroke. People become dizzy and have trouble walking. The loss of balance and coordination could be dangerous if a person is alone and injures herself.
Sudden Headache
The American Heart Association says that sudden headaches are signs of an ongoing stroke. Unlike regular tension headaches, stroke headaches can be severe and people experience blinding, crushing pain. The headache pain becomes so severe that a person may have to lie down to get some kind of relief.
Tags: oncoming stroke, American Heart, American Heart Association, blood vessels, Heart Association, signs oncoming