I am aware that when people say "i'm going to have a stroke" it is hyperbole and they are just trying to say "this thing is making me feel like my brain isn't working" or, a similar sentiment. However, as a person who had a stroke I do want you to know that it is entirely possible to have a stroke and not experience it like what you may expect from media and stroke awareness campaigns. Additionally, it is entirely possible to have a stroke and have no underlying medication conditions or factors. You can, in fact, have a stroke and they will have no idea why.
Some of the arteries leading to your head, especially in the back, can be a little weird. When we were trying to determine why I had a stroke, and ultimately the doctors had to say, "we don't know why," my neurologist told me that sometimes it's about the stress on the artery. You've probably gone to the hairdresser and had them put your head in the sink, right? Apparently that extension of the neck is enough stress that over time it could be why your artery tears and results in a stroke. This isn't to alarm you, but to inform.
You may be familiar with the F.A.S.T awareness campaigns. If not, it's this: Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 And, in many strokes these are the signs and you should absolutely get help if this happens to you or you see this happen to someone else. I didn't experience any of these when I had my stroke. I was talking to my therapist and suddenly lost my understanding of gravity and place. I became dizzy with no warning. Unfortunately, this was not the first time this happened to me, so it wasn't terribly alarming and is part of why it took four months to learn I'd had a stroke. But, I learned since that sudden unexplained dizziness is actually a symptom of a stroke, it's just not so common to have alone. I just had a very rare type of stroke. Anyway. I get people like to be hyperbolic, and I'm not offended by it, but I do think that a lot of people don't think they could have a stroke, may not be able to identify a stroke, and may be under the misconception this is something that only happens when you are old. I was 33. You've only one brain, if anything seems weird, please go get medical attention.
