Although a stroke is a medical emergency that strikes suddenly, the first signs sometimes appear days or even a week before the event occurs, according to the Express .
Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that 43 percent of stroke patients had symptoms of a minor stroke a week before a major stroke.
A mini-stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted, but then the blood flow is restored.
The first signs of a stroke may appear days or even a week before the event occurs.
The study, which looked at 2,416 participants, found that mini-strokes occurred in 549 patients before the actual emergency occurred.
One of the most common signs that can indicate a mini-stroke and warn of an impending stroke is a sudden headache.
How to spot a stroke-related headache
Stroke-related headaches can sometimes be confused with migraines, because they have similar accompanying symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, feeling unwell, vision abnormalities, and disorientation.
Dr Peter Byrom, director of Peter Byrom Audiology Clinic (UK), shared how to detect headaches related to stroke.
Stroke-related headaches tend to come on suddenly, are severe and are usually located in the affected area of the brain, Mr Byrom said, according to Express.
Dr. Byrom recommends seeking medical help "immediately" if you experience a headache related to a stroke.
If your headache feels unusual or different, it’s best to trust your instincts, Byrom adds. Even a small stroke can cause brain damage, so it’s important not to ignore the signs of a stroke.
One of the common warning signs of an impending stroke is a sudden headache.
Other signs to recognize stroke
According to research, other warning signs of a mini-stroke include:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding what others say.
Sudden difficulty speaking.
Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
Dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty with coordination, or trouble walking.
Severe headaches with no known cause , according to medical site Verywell Health.
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