Stress and stroke symptoms: what should you know?

Stress may produce racing thoughts, fast breathing, trembling, dizziness or pins and needles, often during fear and sometimes on both sides. A stroke happens when part of the brain loses blood flow or bleeds. Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, new trouble speaking or understanding, vision loss, severe imbalance or a sudden severe headache are warning signs. Stroke symptoms can start without pain.

Use the FAST check: ask the person to smile, raise both arms and speak a simple sentence. If the face droops, one arm falls or speech is unusual, call emergency services immediately. Record when the person was last known well, keep them safe and do not give food, drink or medicines unless instructed. Even if symptoms improve, urgent assessment is still needed.

Treat any sudden stroke warning sign as an emergency, including numbness or weakness on one side, confusion, speech trouble, vision change, loss of balance or a severe unexplained headache. Do not wait to see whether stress settles. Risk factors include hypertension, atrial fibrillation and type 2 diabetes, so ongoing prevention also deserves medical review.

Could my blood pressure, heart rhythm or blood sugar increase my risk? Which symptoms should prompt an emergency call? Do I need a review of my medicines or a GP Consultation? What prevention steps are appropriate for me?