Here are the common early warning signs of a potential stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), framed by the wisdom of your experience. These are the signals to stop, listen, and seek a doctor’s opinion immediately:
1. The “Blip” in Your System (Transient Neurological Symptoms):
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Sudden, brief numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the face or body (arm, leg). It may pass in minutes.
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A momentary glitch in speech or understanding: Slurring words, gibberish, or being unable to comprehend a simple sentence for a short period.
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A temporary curtain over vision: Sudden dimness, blurring, or loss of vision in one or both eyes, often resolving quickly.
2. The Unexplained “Off” Feelings:
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Sudden, severe headache with no known cause: A “thunderclap” headache that feels different from any other.
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Brief, intense dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination: A sudden spell of vertigo or stumbling without explanation.
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Overwhelming, unusual fatigue: Not just tiredness, but a profound, unexplained exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest—a system-wide “shutdown” warning.
3. The Cognitive “Flickers”:
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A sudden, short bout of confusion: Trouble thinking clearly, focusing, or remembering familiar details in a moment.
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A feeling of “disconnection”: A brief episode where things just don’t feel right, seem unreal, or you feel detached.
What To Do With This Information: The BE FAST Rule
If you or someone you know experiences any of these, do not wait for it to pass. Think BE FAST:
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B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance, coordination, dizziness.
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E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
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F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side drooping?
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A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
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S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred or strange?
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T – TIME: If you see any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is brain.
Your story underscores that these signals can be transient—they come and go. That does not make them less serious. A TIA (“microstroke”) is the body’s most urgent red flag that a major stroke could be imminent. It is a critical window for prevention.
By sharing your “month before,” you are teaching us all to be better listeners to our own bodies. You are turning your experience into a lifeline. Thank you for your courage. Wishing you continued strength and health on your path forward.