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A GP has explained subtle signs of a strike many people miss, meaning they don't get treatment and risk worsening health and even death. D. Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of
Midland Health, has listed the subtle warning signs of a stroke that you shouldn’t ignore. May marks Stroke Awareness Month, with a focus on encouraging more people to learn the causes and
symptoms of strokes, which affect 100,000 people each year in the UK. Dr Parmar said: “It’s the speed at which these symptoms occur that’s a concern. The way to tell is that stroke symptoms
happen very suddenly and without prior warning. If you feel you’re experiencing a stroke, call 999 immediately, even if the symptoms stop after a short time. It’s vitally important to know
the signs of a stroke as early detection is crucial in ensuring the best chance of survival and recuperation.” SEVERE HEADACHE A severe headache may be a potential warning sign. Known as
“thunderclap headaches”, they’re identified by intense, sudden pain. It can be hard to tell the difference between a stroke-related headache and a usual migraine, but the key difference is
that a headache related to stroke often comes with loss of vision or feeling. TROUBLE SEEING Strokes can cause visual problems such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, visual processing
difficulties, and visual field loss. A sudden loss of sight in one or both eyes can be a warning sign of a stroke. This happens because a stroke can damage the visual pathway that carries
information from the eyes to the brain. DIFFICULTY BALANCING Sudden loss of coordination and balance, and trouble walking are also something to look out for. These symptoms are more likely
to be accompanied by a feeling of general weakness or numbness, along with nausea and vomiting. NAUSEA AND VOMITING Unexplained nausea and vomiting, as well as feelings of dizziness and
vertigo, are often signs of stroke. Sudden vomiting, especially, is a common symptom. FATIGUE Increased tiredness, or fatigue, is more common after a stroke, but it may also be a sign one is
about to occur if it’s in conjunction with other symptoms. SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN Stroke is one of the four leading causes of death for women in the UK, and women are more likely than men to
experience extra symptoms such as hiccups, nausea, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or a racing heartbeat.