Strokes are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But early therapies for a stroke are vital and can save lives. In this article, we’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of a stroke, so you can recognise them and seek help right away (Nicol et al., 2005).
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a type of brain attack that causes damage due to interrupted blood flow. There are two main types of strokes:
• Ischemic embolic stroke – when blood clots form in the heart and narrow the arteries to the brain
• Hemorrhagic stroke – when blood leaks from damaged arteries in the brain
Strokes often begin with a mini stroke called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), where a vessel that supplies oxygen to the brain becomes blocked. A TIA is a warning sign of a stroke, often occurring within days. Early detection can prevent severe brain damage or even death (Kaur et al., 2022).
Signs of a Stroke
Common symptoms of a stroke or TIA include:
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis (typically on one side of the body) – Look for a crooked smile or uneven arms
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Blurred or double vision in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause
TIA symptoms can last a few minutes to hours. Even if symptoms stop, get medical attention immediately 🚑 (Mayo Clinic, 2025). Unlike TIAs, strokes last longer and cause permanent brain damage (Mayo Clinic, 2025).
How to Prevent Strokes
Stroke prevention starts with healthy habits. You can lower your stroke risk by:
• Eating a healthy diet 🥗 (limit saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium)
• Exercising regularly 🏃♂️
• Maintaining a healthy weight ⚖️
• Limiting alcohol 🍷
• Not smoking 🚭
• Managing stress 😌
• Getting regular medical checkups 🩺
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024)
Stroke Care
TIAs are managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or sometimes surgery (Brott et al., 2000).
For strokes, therapies depend on the type:
• For a hemorrhagic stroke, doctors may use medications or surgery to control bleeding and reduce brain pressure.
• For an ischemic stroke, emergency treatment may include clot-busting medication or a procedure to remove the clot.
Stroke rehabilitation is crucial for managing long-term effects and enhancing recovery (Marsh et al., 2010).
How Epicentre Can Help
The leading causes of stroke include high blood pressure and diabetes. Epicentre’s Walk-in Lab offers a free blood pressure test with every lab package. We also provide:
• A full diabetes screening package
• A comprehensive diabetes monitoring program
Walk into any of our testing locations today, no referral needed!
Book Your Diabetes Test Today
If you’re feeling out of balance, a quick lab visit could help you find the cause. Our expert team at Epicentre will guide you every step of the way.
📍 Visit one of our Walk-In Labs in Cape Town, Durban, or Johannesburg—or contact us to book your test!
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Preventing stroke. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention/index.html
Brott, T., & Bogousslavsky, J. (2000). Treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The New England Journal of Medicine, 343(10), 710–722. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200009073431007
Kaur, M., Sakhare, S. R., Wanjale, K., & Akter, F. (2022). Early Stroke Prediction Methods for Prevention of Strokes. Behavioural neurology, 2022, 7725597. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7725597 (Retraction published Behav Neurol. 2023 Dec 20;2023:9784791. doi: 10.1155/2023/9784791.)
Marsh, J, Keyrouz, S. Stroke Prevention and Treatment. JACC. 2010 Aug, 56 (9) 683–691.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2009.12.072
Mayo Clinic. (2025). Ministroke vs. regular stroke: What’s the difference? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/expert-answers/mini-stroke/faq-20058390 Mayo Clinic
Nicol, M. B., & Thrift, A. G. (2005). Knowledge of Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Stroke. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 1(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.2147/vhrm.s1213764085
