Surprising Triggers for a Stroke

Strokes can have many causes, including things you might not have considered.

What do strenuous exercise, whiplash and chronic stress have in common? They can all be unexpected causes of strokes.

Here’s what to know and how to reduce your risk.

What is a stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to your brain is restricted or from bleeding in the brain. “When blood flow to your brain changes, brain cells don’t get the oxygen they need to properly function, which can lead to a stroke,” says Gregory Weiner, MD, neurosurgeon at Geisinger.

Depending on the type of stroke you have you may notice different symptoms.

The most common symptoms of a stroke include:

Numbness or weakness in your face, arm or leg, especially limited to one side
Trouble speaking or slurred speech
Confusion or trouble understanding others
Difficulty seeing with one or both eyes
Dizziness
Trouble walking or staying balanced or coordinated
Severe headache that comes on for no reason

What can trigger a stroke?

Many different things can trigger a stroke, and some of them may surprise you. Some unexpected stroke triggers include:

Stress

Ever notice that our hearts beat faster when we’re stressed? That’s because stress, especially chronic stress, makes our hearts work harder. That extra work can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of damaging blood vessels.

Neck injuries

It’s believed that extreme positioning of the neck, trauma or rigorous neck movements can cause arteries in the neck to get cut or torn — a condition called cerebral artery dissection.

“If a cervical artery in the neck becomes damaged, it can cause a dissection,” Dr. Weiner explains. “This can cause blood clots to break off and flow to the brain, leading to a stroke.”

Tears can happen from things like:

Whiplash or rough neck movement
Car accidents
Keeping your neck extended for a long time, like over a salon sink
Frequent vomiting or coughing
Neck manipulation
Holding certain yoga poses

It is crucial to note, however, that a cerebral or vertebral artery dissection are rare. That means you shouldn’t stop your trips to the chiropractor or the amusement park. “But,” says Dr. Weiner, “it’s something to be aware of and just another reason to know the warning signs of a stroke.”

Strenuous exercise

Although it may sound counterintuitive, pushing yourself too hard at the gym may increase your risk of stroke. When you work out, your heart rate rises. As your heart rate increases, so does your blood pressure. This can make it harder for your heart to effectively pump blood to the rest of your body. It can also lead to irregular heart rhythms, which can increase your stroke risk. That risk increases if you have risk factors like:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Narrowed or blocked arteries
Atrial fibrillation

Excessive alcohol use

Drinking heavily can raise your risk of developing an irregular heart rhythm. When your heart beats abnormally, it can increase the risk of blood clots. If a clot travels to your brain, it can lead to a stroke.

What’s classified as drinking heavily? Think four or more drinks per day.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite cocktail on occasion. “Drinking in moderation can actually lower your risk of stroke,” Dr. Weiner says.

Reducing your risk

With a few good habits, you can lower your risk of having a stroke. Not sure where to start? Try these:

Mind your neck

Sticking your neck out is a good thing. As long as you don’t do it for long. To protect yourself against cervical and vertebral artery damage, keep an eye on the position of your neck. For example, if you’re a yoga devotee, the positions you use matter. To avoid strain, try to stay away from positions that put pressure on your neck, like plow, especially if you’re new to yoga.

Keep an eye on your posture to reduce your neck bending forward. And if you go to the chiropractor regularly, ask for an alternative to a neck adjustment.

Another way to help? Minimize activities that cause jerking or forceful movements on your neck, like going on rollercoasters.

Keep stress in check

Too much stress can leave you feeling, well, stressed. To feel your best and stress less consider:

Eating a balanced diet
Exercising
Deep breathing exercises
Taking time off
Journaling
Spending time with loved ones
Getting good rest
Quitting smoking

And if you’re looking for other ways to lower your stroke risk, start by talking to your healthcare provider. They can help you build a plan to feel your best, no matter what comes your way.