26 February 2023 , 10:00
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Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, responsible for one life lost every 17 minutes.
According to Brain Research UK, a stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, starving it of oxygen.
The most common type is an ischemic stroke, which happens when blood clots or other particles block the blood vessels to the brain - these account for around 85 percent of all strokes.
One study, published in the journal Neurology, identified that almost a quarter of patients who experience an ischaemic stroke suffer a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) - or “mini” stroke - first.
Researchers found that in 43 percent of cases the mini stroke occurred in the seven days prior to the major event.
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Seventeen percent experienced a TIA that same day and nine percent on the day before the stroke.
Lead study author, Peter Rothwell, an action research professor at the University of Oxford, explained that treating the TIA “within hours” could help prevent the patient going on to suffer a full stroke.
Quoted in Science Daily, he said: "This study indicates that the timing of a TIA is critical, and the most effective treatments should be initiated within hours of a TIA in order to prevent a major attack."
The neurologist claims that clinical guideline should be amended as a result.
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In 43 percent of cases the mini stroke occurred in the seven days prior to the major eventSigns of a mini stroke
According to the NHS, a TIA can bring on the same symptoms referenced in the well-known acronym FAST.
Face – The face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
Arms – The person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there, because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech – Their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all, despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what you're saying to them.
Time – It's time to call 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
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However, there are other warning signs of a TIA to be wary of.
The health body adds: “The symptoms in the FAST test identify most strokes and TIAs, but a TIA can occasionally cause different symptoms that typically appear suddenly (usually over a few seconds).”
These symptoms include:
Complete paralysis of one side of the body
Sudden vision loss, blurred vision or double vision
Vertigo
Being sick
Dizziness
Confusion
Difficulty understanding what others are saying
Problems with balance and co-ordination
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a TIA, or stroke, you need to dial 999 immediately.
“A TIA is a warning that you're at risk of having a full stroke in the near future,” the NHS adds.
“If you think you've had a TIA previously, but the symptoms have since passed and you did not get medical advice at the time, make an urgent appointment with a GP.
“They can refer you for a hospital assessment, if appropriate.”