Guide To The Symptoms Of An Ischemic Stroke

Sudden Headache

Between seven and sixty-five percent of individuals who have an ischemic stroke also experience a sudden headache before or as their stroke occurs. A headache that occurs due to an ischemic stroke will have a focal point in the patient's brain where the blockage has occurred. A headache in the patient's forehead can indicate their stroke is occurring in their carotid artery, the major artery in their neck that provides blood to the brain.

A headache that occurs in the rear side of a patient's head can indicate a stroke is occurring in their vertebrobasilar system. This system is responsible for the blood supply to the back of their brain. One way to distinguish an everyday headache or migraine from a headache caused by a stroke is by the speed of its onset. An ordinary headache typically develops slowly. Conversely, a headache that occurs due to an ischemic stroke will occur suddenly and without warning.