Stroke Symptoms: What Your Body Might Be Telling You

Stroke Neurological Issues

Dear Dr.
Hong,
I have been experiencing the following symptoms for quite some time: my right eye feels stiff when I move it, there is slight swelling in my right eye, and sometimes it appears red upon waking.
I also feel pressure in my right brain, have difficulty concentrating, struggle with verbal expression, experience a decline in comprehension, forget what I just said, and tend to repeat myself.
Occasionally, my limbs feel weak and numb.
I am unsure what is happening to me and am very concerned that this could be a precursor to a stroke or possibly due to cerebral hypoxia.
Thank you.

Annie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/21

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello, thank you for your inquiry.
Based on your condition, I recommend that you seek a consultation with a neurologist in person.
You mentioned that your right eye has difficulty moving and sometimes experiences redness and swelling.
I wonder if you are experiencing double vision or any abnormalities in eye movement? Additionally, you noted issues with concentration, decreased comprehension, and difficulties in verbal expression.
Could you elaborate on the circumstances under which you feel your comprehension has declined? Are these issues affecting your daily functioning, work, and social interactions? For example, do you often receive criticism from colleagues or supervisors regarding your work performance, frequently make mistakes, forget to turn off the gas or faucet when leaving home, or find that tasks you used to complete easily now take significantly longer? Furthermore, your description seems to indicate that multiple aspects of your life are affected.
Besides ruling out any pathological conditions, another possibility is that you may be experiencing increased stress recently, leading to mental and physical fatigue.
I suggest finding ways to relieve stress and sharing your difficulties with family and friends, rather than shouldering everything alone.

Reply Date: 2016/10/21

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for sharing your symptoms with me. Based on your description, it is understandable that you are concerned about the possibility of a stroke or other neurological issues. Let's break down your symptoms and explore what they might indicate.

1. Visual Disturbances: The feeling of your right eye being "stuck" or swollen, along with redness upon waking, could suggest several conditions. These may include eye strain, allergies, or even more serious issues like optic neuritis or increased intracranial pressure. The fact that you are experiencing these symptoms in conjunction with other neurological signs is particularly noteworthy.

2. Cognitive Changes: You mentioned difficulties with attention, poor verbal expression, and memory lapses, such as repeating yourself. These cognitive changes can be alarming and may indicate a problem with brain function. In the context of your other symptoms, they could suggest a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a "mini-stroke," which can precede a full-blown stroke. TIAs are characterized by temporary neurological symptoms that resolve within 24 hours.

3. Physical Weakness and Numbness: The episodes of weakness and numbness in your limbs are also concerning. These symptoms can be indicative of a stroke, especially if they occur suddenly and affect one side of the body. In your case, if the weakness is more pronounced on the right side, it could correlate with the issues you are experiencing with your right eye and cognitive function.

4. Head Pressure: The sensation of pressure in your right hemisphere could be related to various conditions, including migraines, tension headaches, or even more serious issues like a brain tumor or vascular malformations.
Given the combination of visual disturbances, cognitive changes, and physical symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A stroke is a medical emergency, and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Here are some steps you should consider:
- Immediate Evaluation: I recommend that you visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. A neurologist would be particularly suited to evaluate your symptoms. They may perform imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess for any abnormalities in the brain.

- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors (like stress or fatigue). This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.

- Lifestyle Considerations: If you have risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of cardiovascular disease, managing these conditions is crucial. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can help reduce your risk.

- Follow-Up: Depending on the initial evaluation, your doctor may recommend further tests or a referral to a specialist. Regular follow-up appointments will be essential to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as necessary.

In summary, while your symptoms could be indicative of several conditions, the combination of visual disturbances, cognitive changes, and physical symptoms warrants immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious issues like a stroke. Please do not hesitate to seek help, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in your health outcomes.

Take care, and I wish you the best in your health journey.

Similar Q&A

Could It Be a Stroke? Understanding Symptoms and Risks

In recent months, I have experienced occasional unsteadiness while walking, sudden drooling from the right corner of my mouth while doing tasks, slight tremors in my hands when holding objects, and an increased sense of fatigue. My daily routine is chaotic, often going to bed at ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Mr. Ating, You mentioned that your hands tremble slightly when holding objects and that you easily feel fatigued, and you are concerned about a possible stroke, which is a cerebrovascular disease. Given your age, if you experience persistent neurological deficits, it is imp...

Recognizing Warning Signs of a Mini-Stroke: What You Need to Know

Recently, I have not been feeling well. I noticed that you mentioned the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA): sudden speech difficulties, blurred vision, transient localized numbness or weakness in limbs, dizziness, unsteady gait, confusion, high blood pressure, and cho...

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by a sudden blockage or rupture of small blood vessels, resulting in the following symptoms that occur abruptly (one moment the individual is fine, and the next moment symptoms are evident): 1. Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or ...

Understanding Neurological Symptoms: Are They Signs of a Stroke?

Hello, doctor. For the past few days, I have been experiencing a tight sensation on the left side of my face, along with some tingling and numbness in my left hand and left foot. Could this be a warning sign of a stroke? I do not have high blood pressure. I had a cardiovascular e...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
This is not a stroke phenomenon; however, your homocysteine levels are elevated, so you should consume more foods rich in vitamin B.

Is Your Loved One Experiencing Stroke Symptoms? Key Signs to Watch For

Dear Dr. Jiang, Hello! My mother is 68 years old and has a history of high cholesterol and hypertension. Recently, she has been experiencing dizziness and headaches every morning upon waking up. She visited a nearby clinic where her systolic blood pressure was measured at 130 mm...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Based on your description, your mother has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, which places her in a high-risk group for stroke. If she experiences sudden neurological deficits such as weakness in the limbs or slurred speech, cerebrovascular disease should be the primar...