(By Dr Arindam Das who is a Consultant - Neurology, at Narayana Hospital, Howrah)


A brain stroke is a sudden disruption in blood supply to the brain, leading to damage or loss of brain function. Recently, the alarming trends suggest that strokes are becoming more prevalent among younger individuals. Sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and mounting stress levels are contributing to this unsettling shift. What's particularly concerning is the surge in risk factors like hypertension and diabetes in the younger population. Here are five uncommon indications that individuals must watch out for: 



  • Facial Droop Revisited: The Case of Painless Numbness


The hallmark facial droop, commonly associated with stroke, is widely recognised. However, what is often missed is a painless, sudden numbness or weakness in one side of the face. This paresthesia, coupled with other neurological symptoms, could be a clear indicator of a stroke affecting the facial nerve.



  • Migraines and Their Evil Twin: Visual Disturbances


Migraines can mimic the effects of a stroke, causing visual disturbances known as "aura." But when these disturbances occur suddenly and without a history of migraines, it's a warning sign. Patterns like flashing lights or zigzag lines in one's visual field can indicate compromised blood flow to the brain.



  • Forgetfulness vs Confusion: When Memory Loss Signals Danger


While memory loss is often linked to ageing or conditions like dementia, it can also be an unusual sign of stroke. Stroke-induced confusion can manifest as sudden disorientation, an inability to recognize familiar surroundings, or even the inability to identify close family members. These cognitive anomalies demand immediate attention.



  • Language Lost: Aphasias Beyond Speech


The classic symptom of speech difficulty in stroke patients is well-known, but aphasias extend beyond speech impairment. Patients may struggle to read, write, or comprehend language. Additionally, they may experience echolalia, where they involuntarily repeat words or phrases. Aphasias are vital indicators often overlooked.



  • Sensation Surrender: The Unexplained Numbness


Patients frequently mistake sudden numbness for a simple loss of circulation or sleeping limb. However, when this sensation surrender occurs in a distinct part of the body, it might signify a stroke's impact on a specific region of the brain. It is paramount to recognize that not all stroke symptoms present uniformly.


Early identification of these unusual signs are the linchpin in offering timely interventions that mitigate the profound consequences of stroke. Stay informed, stay proactive, and remember that strokes are a formidable adversary that often hide in plain sight.


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