Symptoms of stroke: Vision loss, weakness, problems with speech are warning signs

Stroke is a serious health emergency that affects millions of people in India and worldwide. Recognising the warning signs of stroke early on can be lifesaving and help minimise the damage caused to the brain. Over time, there’s been a significant surge in stroke cases in India and all around the world. Generally, stroke occurs when the blood supply to a certain part of the brain is abruptly reduced or restricted. This prevents the tissues present in the brain from getting sufficient oxygen and nutrients. This can happen either due to ischaemic stroke (blocked artery) or haemorrhage stroke (bursting of the blood vessels). Explains Dr Nitin Dange, Head of Department and Director, Interventional Neurology, Stroke Care, and Neurosurgery, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.

Stroke leaves long-lasting effects on the patients, which can be devastating. These stroke patients are at higher risk of experiencing severe complications like being permanently disabled due to paralysis, emotional instability, and cognitive challenges. Time is crucial when it comes to minimising the damage caused to the brain, says Dr Dange. It becomes essential to recognise and address these warning signs associated with stroke to seek immediate medical attention.

The warning signs of a stroke one shouldn’t ignore, according to Dr Dange, are:

• Loss of balance: One loses balance or sudden giddiness occurs due to an abruptly reduced flow of oxygen to the balance control area of the brain or brainstem.

• Vision loss: There is loss of vision in one eye due to the artery supplying the retina of the eye getting blocked.

• Numbness and weakness: When a stroke occurs, it can negatively disrupt the oxygen-rich blood from flowing to certain parts of the brain responsible for controlling your facial muscles. Due to this, one side of the face starts to become numb and weak, which can be concerning. For instance, if you ask these patients to smile, one side of them may droop. This can be an indication that their facial nerves have been severely affected.

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• Decline in motor functions: Stroke tends to harm the motor function in the brain. It starts to affect the arm on one side of the body negatively. This mostly happens due to severe damage caused to the certain part of the brain that is responsible for controlling movements. One shouldn’t neglect this crucial warning sign and immediately rush to the hospital for prompt diagnosis.

• Speech problems: Speech decline is a significant sign of stroke that needs to be addressed promptly. Stroke affects the areas of the brain that are accountable for controlling language and communication. This can make it challenging for individuals to even speak or understand what others are saying. They may also struggle to find the right word or phrase to express their thoughts appropriately.

Recognising these warning signs early and taking proactive steps to address them becomes crucial. Even a few minutes of delay can worsen the condition, causing permanent damage to the brain. If you start to notice these symptoms, then you should act fast by calling an ambulance or taking them to the hospital for timely intervention. Timely intervention can help restore the blood flow to the brain while minimising the damage caused.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.