21 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

21 Health Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

- Lisa Bendall with Ishani Nandi

SUDDEN SYMPTOMS

Slurred speech

Speech that’s suddenly unintelligible can be a sign of a stroke in the brain’s language centre. “The person may have garbled and mixed-up words or they can’t understand what you’re saying,” says Dr Leanne K. Casaubon, neurologist and director of the Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke Unit at Toronto Western Hospital. Another symptom may be drooping on one side of the face. If you suspect you’ve suffered a stroke, call an emergency helpline promptly, or have someone else do so.

Flashes of light or increased floaters

It’s normal to see floaters—small bits of debris and pigments suspended in the vitreous gel inside our eyeballs. But sudden, bright flashes of light or sudden appearance of increased floaters can mean a torn retina—an emergency that should be checked without delay.

“Age or blunt-force trauma can cause the vitreous to detach from the retina. Separation at points where the retina and gel are attached firmly produces traction, which is perceived as a flash of light,” explains Dr Navin Sakhuja, a Delhi-based ophthalmologist. “A strong enough traction pulls the retina apart, leading to a tear, which puts one at risk of retinal detachment—a very serious condition that results in blindness.”

Change in mental status