Symptoms of Stroke In Summer: Do You Keep Losing Balance While Walking? It Could Be The First Sign of a Stroke Warning

Stroke warning signs that often go unnoticed: If you keep losing balance while walking, it could be the first sign of a silent stroke. Here's what you must know about the warning symptoms of stroke.

Loss of balance may be a sign of fatigue or aging, but when it hits suddenly and unexpectedly, it may be your brain ringing an alarm. In most instances, this seemingly trivial symptom is an early and frequently ignored warning sign of a stroke. A stroke happens when the blood supply to a section of the brain is blocked, depriving brain cells of oxygen and killing them in a matter of minutes.

The effects of a stroke can be life-changing or even fatal, particularly when the body start sending warning signs such as sudden imbalance, dizziness, blurred or double vision, or slurred speech - take it as an indicator that you are at risk of something majorly serious and deadly.

Speaking to TheHealthSite.com, Dr. Faisal Bari, Head of Emergency, Manipal hospital, Ghaziabad, said, "Early identification of these signs may be the difference between complete recovery and long-lasting damage."

Why Should Sudden Imbalance Not Be Ignored

Dr Bari explains - While slight balance problems may have innocuous causes, such as inner ear problems or dehydration, ongoing or abrupt loss of balance may indicate a stroke of the cerebellum or brainstem regions involved in coordination and movement.

Be aware of:

1. Having trouble walking in a straight line
2. Sensation of spinning room (vertigo)
3. Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
4. Being unsteady when standing or walking
5. Having trouble speaking or understanding speech

Such symptoms can occur alone or with more common symptoms such as face drooping or weakness in the arm.

How Can You Lower Your Risk of Stroke?

Although genetics plays a part in some risks, most strokes can be prevented with a few lifestyle modifications:

Stay Active

Regular physical exercise increases blood flow, aids in weight maintenance, and regulates blood pressure. Indulging in regular exercises can help release all the stress from the body, and also reduce inflammation -- both of which are connected with stroke risk.

Eat Smart

A fruit-rich, vegetable-studded, whole-grain, and healthy-fat-filled diet fosters vascular as well as brain health. It reduces salt intake, sugar levels, and intake of processed food, thus reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both major determinants of stroke.

Quit Smoking And Limit Alcohol

Smoking injures blood vessels and enhances clotting, while too much alcohol elevates blood pressure and heart disease risk. Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol consumption can sharply reduce stroke risk.

Manage Chronic Conditions

High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are the key causes of stroke. According to Dr Bari, taking charge of your body is an important step in keeping yourself safe from stroke and related conditions. He suggests -- one must get their regular check-ups done to ensure their health is on the right track.

Know Your Family History

If strokes or heart disease are hereditary in your family, beware! You are at risk of suffering from this condition as well. Dr Bari explains, "Knowing your family genetics enables you to take preventive measures with your lifestyle and regular health checkups."

Loss of balance on walking may look innocuous, but may be a sign that something serious is occurring, such as a stroke. Do not ignore the warning signals; if you observe any, contact a neurosurgeon or stroke specialist right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.