Don’t ignore a warning stroke
IS IT possible to have a small stroke and not even realise it?
Yes, according to new research, which found that about 35% of Americans experience symptoms of a warning stroke. But only about 3% get immediate medical attention.
Most adults who had at least one sign of a “mini” stroke – a temporary blockage also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) – waited or rested until symptoms had faded instead of calling for help right away, according to the research from the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA).
“Ignoring any stroke sign could be a deadly mistake,” said ASA chairperson Dr Mitch Elkind.
“Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether you’re having a TIA or a stroke. If you or someone you know experiences a stroke warning sign that comes on suddenly, call 911 right away to improve chances of an accurate diagnosis, treatment and recovery,” he said.
An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. People who experience this type of stroke may be treated immediately with a special clot-busting drug. A device called a stent retriever may also be used to remove the clot. A TIA precedes about 15% of strokes. People who have a TIA are at greater risk for a stroke within three months.
The most common stroke signs are a drooping face, weakness in the arms and difficulty speaking.
Other sudden warning signs include confusion, loss of vision, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or co-ordination and an unexplained severe headache.
The most common symptom was a sudden, severe headache. About 1 in 5 of the 2 000 people surveyed experienced this symptom. The researchers noted that 77% of those polled were not familiar with a TIA. More than half of the participants said they would dial 911 if they thought they or someone else had symptoms of a TIA, but only 3% of those who did have these warning signs had actually made the call.