How to recognize a headache caused by a stroke

Headaches have many causes, including stroke. Therefore, many people with frequent headaches often worry and suspect that they are at risk of stroke.

You have not said clearly how the pain occurred so it is not possible to confirm whether there is a risk of stroke. However, headaches that warn of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke often occur suddenly and are severe.

Headaches that warn of a hemorrhagic stroke (caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain) are severe pain, accompanied by other specific symptoms such as vomiting, weakness of the limbs or one side of the body, facial or mouth distortion, difficulty speaking, slurred speech, difficulty pronouncing. Severe cases can lead to coma and loss of consciousness.

In case of headache warning of ischemic stroke (due to blood vessel blockage), the pain level is usually not too severe. However, the patient may have symptoms of paralysis, weakness in limbs, and speech disorder. In general, severe, sudden pain accompanied by local neurological signs can warn of stroke.

Headaches usually do not come on suddenly, usually with a mild initial pain that gradually increases. The pain may recur without any other symptoms. However, these headaches can also be related to brain vascular problems such as aneurysms. If the blood vessel is damaged but has not yet caused bleeding, it can still compress structures and cause prolonged pain.

If you have frequent headaches and have to continuously take painkillers, it can affect your liver, kidneys, and blood clotting, increasing your risk of stroke. Overuse of painkillers can easily make you dependent on the drug, making it difficult to treat. If the pain persists or recurs, you should see a doctor to find the cause and get appropriate treatment.

To know if the pain is related to a stroke, you should see a neurologist for a specific assessment. Specialized tests such as tests, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) help accurately assess the cause of the headache. From there, the doctor will give a specific monitoring and treatment plan.

In case of pain caused by stress, insomnia, or improper nutrition, it is necessary to adjust your lifestyle scientifically, including maintaining exercise, rest, and eating in moderation. Supplementing natural essences from blueberry and ginkgo biloba helps increase blood flow to the brain, reduce headaches, and insomnia.