Hiccups Can Actually Be A Warning Sign Of A Stroke

Here's how to tell if they're a sign of something more serious.

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As hard as it can be to admit, you can have a stroke. Your loved one can have a stroke.

Statistically, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds; every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. It’s not a concern to ruminate on, per se, but one to be mindful of.

For example, you might avoid habits that can increase the risk, such as being sedentary, smoking, ignoring health concerns and drinking alcohol. Knowing the clear signs of a stroke – illustrated by the BE FAST acronym – is smart, too. BE FAST stands for (problems with) balance, eyesight, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech and time or terrible headache.

However, there’s also a surprising sign of a stroke that many people don’t know, according to vascular surgeons. Hiccups.

Ahead, experts explain how hiccups can be a sign of a stroke, other commonly missed signs and when to see the doctor about this seemingly “harmless” symptom.

How hiccups can signal a stroke

To understand why hiccups can be a sign of a stroke, it’s important to understand exactly what hiccups are – particularly, how they’re connected to the brain.

“Hiccups are caused by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, coordinated by a reflex arc involving the brainstem, particularly the medulla,” said Dr. Christopher Yi, a board-certified........

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