10 Strange Symptoms That Are Not a Stroke

Déjà vu is an interesting and peculiar feeling that happens when you have a sense that something about your situation is familiar but you can't understand why. There are plenty of explanations for déjà vu- perhaps something about the smell, the colors or the climate is recognizable but is buried in the deep, possibly irrelevant parts of your memory. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that while déjà vu is weird and sometimes even a little bit scary, it is not a stroke. 

This can absolutely drive you crazy- especially if you remember special details about a person's life, feelings he has told you about and even how you met each other. Sometimes, we are more focused on getting to know the distinctive traits that make a person unique than in collecting facts that seem like 'data.' So, while it may be embarrassing that you can't remember the name of the lady you talk to at the water cooler, don't worry about how well your brain is working if you remember that she told you about planning her son's wedding, but not her name. Chances are, you are more of a friend than you give yourself credit for – and that is not the sign of a stroke! 

 This problem is so common that most people have experienced it. The perception of ringing is not a sign of danger or brain damage. Ringling in the ears may be an early sign of hearing loss, but more often than not, it is just something that happens and gets better on its own without any consequences at all. If it continues or reappears, see a doctor, but it is not an emergency or a sign of a stroke.

If your feet tingle, that could mean that you have a circulation problem, a nerve problem or a medication side effect. It could also mean that you have been sitting in a position that temporarily put too much pressure on your feet or legs. If the problem recurs or persists, you should make an appointment to see your doctor because it might be an early sign of a treatable medical problem - that will only get worse unless it is treated. But tingling in both of your feet is not life threatening, nor is it the sign of a stroke.

*Strangely enough, tingling on ONE side is a serious problem, and you need to get that checked out urgently.

  If you notice that you are shaking, you will likely become worried, uncomfortable and self-conscious. Most tremors are related to Parkinson’s disease or to a condition called benign essential tremor or to a medication side effect. Because there are effective treatments, tremors certainly need to be checked out by your doctor. There are rare cases of strokes causing Parkinson's like symptoms. But even in those instances, the tremors are not the sign that a stroke is happening, but instead an indication of many silent strokes over time. If you have tremors or trembling, don't panic. Call your doctor and make an appointment. Expect some medical tests and don’t be surprised if it takes a few months to get the medication just right.  But don't be alarmed because tremors, trembling and shaking are not signs of a stroke.

Hearing loss is frustrating because it can truly interfere with your life. However, because of the way the brain and nerves are organized, hearing loss is not the consequence of a stroke. Your ability to hear effectively is important for your quality of life. There are options to help you hear as well as possible and your doctor may be able to diagnose a treatable cause of your hearing problem. So, while you need a medical evaluation if your hearing is not up to par, you needn't worry that a stroke is the cause. 

While you might wonder, 'What is wrong with me?" it is not unusual to become stressed out or frustrated by work tasks that once seemed enjoyable. A hostile work environment, boredom, lack of job promotions and more can make you question your abilities and your whole life direction, especially if you were previously motivated and enthusiastic. While you certainly need to address these issues, the feeling of frustration at work is not a sign of stroke.

 Cramping can be uncomfortable, painful and can even make you a little stiff. Increased computer use has made hand cramping and carpal tunnel syndrome more common than ever before. A stroke is never related to overuse of your muscles. If you notice any body part becoming sore, tender or strained after hours and hours of use- take a break, but don't sweat it about a stroke.

 Unusual dreams, even nightmares can be disconcerting. But no matter how strange or frightening your dreams are, the content of your dreams is not caused by strokes. Anxiety, medications and a few medical problems can cause unsettling dreams. If the problem is frequent, seek a medical evaluation. But you do not need to worry that bad dreams are caused by a stroke- even if you dream that you are having a stroke!

 Strokes do not cause someone to mistakenly see or hear things that are not there. And they cannot cause you to hear threatening voices or to be paranoid. If you experience any of these symptoms or you are having outbursts or noticing trouble getting along with friends or family members, you need a professional medical evaluation sooner rather than later. You might have a treatable medical condition or a medication side effect, but these problems are not symptoms of a stroke.