Dr. Eric Berg, a cardiovascular health expert affiliated with the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), has shared several warning symptoms that may appear in the days leading up to a stroke. Recognizing these early signs can be critical for timely treatment and potentially life-saving intervention.

According to Dr. Berg, because a stroke is often caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain, pressure can rapidly build up inside the skull. This increased pressure frequently manifests as a sudden and severe headache, which is one of the most common early warning signs.

Another important symptom that may indicate an impending stroke is intense nausea or repeated vomiting, especially when it occurs without an obvious cause such as food poisoning or illness. Dr. Berg also noted that persistent hiccups accompanied by chest pain could serve as a lesser-known but serious warning sign that a stroke may be imminent.

In addition to these symptoms, the U.S. Health Portal lists several other potential warning signs, including sudden loss or changes in vision, unexplained dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, confusion, difficulty understanding speech, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. These symptoms may occur alone or in combination and should never be ignored.

Experts explain that while these warning signs often appear within a week before a stroke, in many cases they can occur suddenly and progress rapidly. This unpredictability makes awareness and quick action especially important.

Dr. Berg strongly emphasizes that anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek emergency medical care within one hour. “If patients arrive at the emergency room early enough, doctors can administer medications that help dissolve blood clots and reduce brain damage,” he advised.

Beyond emergency treatment, Dr. Berg highlighted the importance of stroke prevention through proper nutrition and lifestyle choices. He stressed that adequate intake of vitamin E may help lower the risk of stroke by protecting blood vessels and reducing oxidative stress.

Dr. Berg also recommends sufficient magnesium intake and following a low-carbohydrate diet. Research from the NIH suggests that for every additional 100 mg of magnesium consumed per day, the risk of stroke decreases by approximately 2%. Magnesium-rich foods include leafy green vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.

Furthermore, a large meta-analysis conducted by the University of Cambridge found that diets high in vitamin E may reduce stroke risk by up to 17%. Natural sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, spinach, broccoli, red bell peppers, avocados, mangoes, and kiwis.

In conclusion, while strokes often strike without warning, the body may send subtle signals days in advance. Paying attention to these signs, seeking immediate medical help, and adopting a nutrient-rich, balanced diet can play a crucial role in reducing stroke risk and protecting long-term brain health.