Avoiding these substances can reduce preventable risks. If someone develops sudden neurological symptoms after using alcohol or drugs, they still need emergency medical assessment.
Genetics and Family History
A family history of stroke or certain inherited conditions can increase a person's risk. However, having a relative who experienced a stroke does not mean that a person will necessarily have one.
People with a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease should discuss their individual risk with a healthcare professional. Depending on their circumstances, blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, diabetes screening, or other investigations may be appropriate.
Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Pregnancy and the weeks following childbirth involve changes in circulation and blood clotting. Certain pregnancy-related complications, including severe high blood pressure, can increase the risk of stroke.
A sudden severe headache, vision changes, weakness, confusion, or difficulty speaking during pregnancy or after delivery should be treated as an emergency.
These symptoms should not automatically be attributed to hormonal changes, tiredness, or a typical pregnancy-related headache.
Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. These cells can obstruct blood flow and contribute to serious complications, including stroke.
Children with sickle cell disease may face stroke risks at a very young age. Preventive care and regular monitoring are therefore important parts of managing the condition.
Families should follow the care plan provided by their child's specialist and seek emergency help if sudden neurological symptoms occur.
What Should You Do if You Suspect a Stroke?
Recognizing the symptoms is only the first step. Acting quickly can help preserve brain function and improve the chances of recovery.
A simple way to remember common warning signs is the B.E. F.A.S.T. method:
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B โ Balance: Is there sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, or difficulty walking?
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E โ Eyes: Is there sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or double vision?
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F โ Face: Does one side of the face droop when the person smiles?
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A โ Arms: Is one arm weak or numb, or does it drift downward when both arms are raised?
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S โ Speech: Is speech slurred, strange, or difficult to understand?
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T โ Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these symptoms appear suddenly.
Not every stroke causes all these symptoms. Even one sudden warning sign can be enough to require emergency assessment.
If you are in Vietnam, call 115 for emergency medical assistance. In other countries, use the local emergency number.
While waiting for help:
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Note the time symptoms began, or the last time the person was known to be well.
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Keep the person safe and monitor their breathing and responsiveness.
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Do not allow them to drive themselves to the hospital.
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Do not give food, drinks, aspirin, or other medication unless instructed by a medical professional.
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Follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.
Aspirin is not an appropriate self-treatment for every suspected stroke because some strokes are caused by bleeding, and aspirin may worsen that bleeding. Medical assessment is needed to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.
Do not wait for symptoms to become more severe, and do not delay calling for help while trying home remedies.
Can Stroke Symptoms Disappear on Their Own?
Sometimes symptoms improve after a few minutes. This may indicate a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, which is often described as a "mini-stroke."
A TIA occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted. The symptoms may disappear, but that does not mean the event is harmless.
A TIA can be a warning sign of a future stroke and may indicate an underlying problem that needs urgent investigation.
If someone suddenly develops weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, or another stroke-like symptom that later disappears, they should still receive emergency medical assessment. Do not wait for the symptoms to return.
How Is a Stroke Diagnosed and Treated?
When a person arrives at a hospital with suspected stroke, the medical team will assess their symptoms, medical history, blood pressure, blood sugar, and neurological function.
Brain imaging, commonly a CT scan or MRI, can help determine whether the event is caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding. Additional tests may be needed to identify the source of the problem.
Treatment depends on the type of stroke, the location and extent of the injury, the time since symptoms began, and the person's overall condition.
For some ischemic strokes, doctors may use clot-dissolving medication or perform a procedure to remove a clot from a blocked artery. These treatments have strict eligibility requirements and are time-sensitive.
Hemorrhagic strokes require treatment directed at controlling the bleeding, managing pressure inside the skull, and addressing the cause of the ruptured vessel. Some patients may require surgery or other procedures.
There is no single treatment that is suitable for every stroke. This is another reason not to attempt to diagnose or treat the condition at home.
Even if several hours have passed since symptoms began, emergency care remains important. Some patients may still qualify for specific treatments, and prompt assessment can prevent further complications.