The stroke (stroke) does not always prevent. And some of its warning signs can occur in the middle of the night. “”Sleep is a critical moment because the brain is particularly vulnerable to oxygenation and blood circulation disorders ” Prevents Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical. There would therefore be nocturnal signs to spot, to find out if the risk concerns us particularly. Vigilance is to be put if you notice the following events.
Intense snoring and respiratory breaks
Strongly snoring, with respiratory breaks noticed by the spouse, can reveal an obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (SAOS). “This disorder leads to repeated oxygen drops in the blood, promotes thehigh blood pressureL’vascular inflammation and theAtherosclerosis “ underlines our expert. Result: the risk of ischemic stroke is multiplied by 2 to 4.
What to do in this case? Consult a sleep specialist. An examination called polysomnography confirms the diagnosis. Treatment is often based on PPC (continuous positive pressure), nocturnal ventilation per mask.
Confused or disoriented awakenings: think of a
Waking up with temporary confusion, language disorders or difficulties in remembering can evoke a transient ischemic accident (has) occurred overnight. “”These mini-avc are often the precursors of a more serious stroke “ recalls the doctor.
What to do in this case? In the presence of brutal confusion, speech disorders or motor skills: call 15 immediately. Even if the symptoms disappear quickly.
Headaches upon waking: watch out for hypertension
An unusual morning headache, especially if it is repeated, can point out at night hypertension, cerebral hypoxia or, more rarely, an aneurysm. All are risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke.
What to do? Measure your tension when you wake up. If the headache is frequent or are accompanied by neurological signs: asking for a scanner or a brain MRI.
A numbness on one side of the body upon waking up
England or weakness of an arm or one leg (hemicorps) upon waking can betray a stroke during sleep. It can also be benign nervous compression, but when in doubt, it is better to consult.
What to do? “”Use the Fast Insue “ advises the emergency room. A simple way to identify that it does not go.
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Facing: asymmetrical face
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Arm: weak or numb arms
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Speech: Difficulty speaking
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Time: Emergency, call 15
Nocturnal palpitations: suspect atrial fibrillation
Finally atrial fibrillation, frequent heart rhythm disorder at night, can cause the clothes that migrate to the brain and cause a stroke. “”An irregular feeling of heart, alarm clocks must alert ” insists Dr. Kierzek.
What to do in this case? Make a Holter ECG (cardiac recording over 24 hours). In case of confirmed fibrillation, anticoagulant treatment may be prescribed to avoid brain embolism.
Prevent stroke during sleep: good reflexes
The night is not always synonymous with rest for the brain. Certain sleep disorders may promote the appearance of a stroke. Fortunately, some simple measures reduce the risks:
- Have sleep apnea tested if chronically snores, especially in the event of respiratory breaks or unexplained fatigue during the day;
- Closely monitoring its blood pressure, including during the night: uncontrolled night hypertension is a major stroke of stroke;
- Consult in case of night palpitations: they can reveal atrial fibrillation, heart rate disorder that causes clots;
- Avoid alcohol in the evening, which promotes episodes of apnea and disrupts deep sleep;
- Favor a sleeping position on the side, recommended to limit obstructions in the airways.
And above all: in the event of evocative signs of stroke – numbness of a member, sudden disorders of speech, blurred vision or confusion on the alarm – compose immediately on 15, even if the symptoms fade. Every minute counts.