Introduction
It sounds dramatic—“a month before a stroke”—but increasingly, medical evidence shows that many people experience subtle signs weeks before a major stroke occurs. Aayush Hospital+1
These early signs might feel minor, intermittent or easily dismissed, yet they may be your brain’s way of signalling that something is seriously wrong. This article explores ten warning signs your body may give you up to a month before a stroke—and what you should do about them.
Why This Matters
Your brain is incredibly resilient—but only up to a point. A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly cut off (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Northwestern Medicine+1
Because the brain cannot store oxygen or nutrients, any interruption can cause injury. What may surprise you: in many cases, minor interruptions of blood flow—so‐called “mini‐strokes” or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)—occur in the days or weeks preceding the larger event. Health+1
Detecting and acting on early signs gives you a real chance to prevent or minimise damage.
10 Signs to Watch For
1. Recurrent or Unusually Severe Headaches
If you start getting headaches that feel different—more intense, more persistent and not clearly triggered by stress or tension—this could be a red flag. One study notes “sentinel headaches” occur in the days preceding some strokes. Wikipédia+1
What to ask yourself:
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Is this headache unlike my usual pattern?
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Does it come on suddenly and persist for hours or days?
