- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
After being admitted to the hospital for 3 days and receiving a ton of invasive tests, I knew I could no longer ignore those small subtle signals that my body gave me like feeling tired and fatigued. The test didn’t confirm a major stroke, but the hospital did confirm a TIA (transit ischemic attack) better known as a mini-stroke. Our bodies give us warning signs when something is not right. It will alarm you to pay attention and to follow up with your doctor.
Here are several common signals your body will give you that there is something else going on:
Tiredness or fatigue
Fatigue is a very common symptom but it could alert you of an illness. Fatigue has a gradual onset and may not be noticed right away. If you experience constant fatigue, please don’t ignore it. This could be your body giving you a warning sign. Tiredness and fatigue could be a sign of low -blood levels, high blood sugars, and even low iron levels.
Headaches
Headaches are not normal, and if you experience frequent headaches please don’t ignore them. If you are having migraines, this could be a sign of something more. If the headaches are accompanied by nausea and vomiting seek medical attention. Headaches could be a sign of stroke, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or dehydration.
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Blurred Vision
If you suddenly start to experience blurred vision and objects are not clear, it’s time to seek medical attention. Blurred vision could be a sign of high blood pressure, high blood sugar or even a stroke.
Dizziness
Dizziness is not normal and should be investigated further. Dizziness could be the sign of multiple things including fluctuation in blood pressure levels, high blood sugars, stroke, heart attack or low blood levels.
These are just a few signals to pay attention to. Listen to your body because your body tells you when something isn’t right. The body speaks volumes to us, the question being are we listening? Ignoring subtle signs could really be life or death. The quicker you get treated for a heart attack, stroke or any illness for that matter, the greater chance you have for survival.
Priscilla Q. Williams, RN: Author, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, Global Nurse Educator www.priscillaqwilliams.com