8. High Blood Pressure Spikes
Consistently high readings (140/90 mmHg or higher)
Sudden surges, even if temporary
Often called “the silent killer” — damages blood vessels over time
✅ Regular monitoring can catch this early.
9. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) – Mini-Strokes
Symptoms mimic a full stroke but resolve within minutes to hours
May include:
Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Speech trouble
Mimics a “funny turn” or dizzy spell
🚨 Critical: A TIA is a medical emergency, not a false alarm.
10. Sleep Disturbances & Snoring (Signs of Sleep Apnea)
Loud snoring with pauses in breathing
Waking up gasping
Daytime fatigue despite long sleep
💤 Untreated sleep apnea doubles stroke risk due to low oxygen and high blood pressure.
🆘 When to Seek Immediate Help: The FAST Test
If symptoms occur suddenly, treat it as a stroke — call emergency services immediately.
Use FAST to check:
F
= Face
Ask person to smile. Does one side droop?
A
= Arms
Ask to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
S
= Speech
Ask to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange?
T
= Time
Call emergency services NOW
— every second matters
⏰ Clot-busting drugs must be given within 3–4.5 hours. Delay = more brain damage.
❤️ Final Thought: Your Body Speaks — Are You Listening?
You don’t have to wait for a crisis to act.
Many strokes are preventable.
Many lives are saved because someone paid attention to the whispers before the storm.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs, especially if they come and go:
See a doctor
Request a carotid ultrasound or heart rhythm check
Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
Quit smoking, manage stress, stay active
Because preventing a stroke starts long before the first symptom.
It starts with awareness.
With action.
With caring enough to notice.
