Strokes are a major cause of death in the United States, affecting nearly 800,000 people each year. Shockingly, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds on average in the country. These statistics are alarming, especially for individuals with a family history of stroke or those who have risk factors such as high blood pressure and certain heart conditions. However, arming yourself with knowledge can help you identify stroke symptoms, understand risk factors, and ultimately protect yourself from experiencing a stroke.
According to Dr. Brandon Giglio, the director of vascular neurology at NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn, about 85% of strokes in the United States are ischemic strokes, which are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain. Approximately 15% are hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. Many people who experience strokes also have warning strokes in the days, weeks, or months leading up to the full event. Here is what you need to know about warning strokes:
Warning strokes, technically called transient ischemic attacks, are fleeting yet extremely dangerous medical conditions that can serve as precursors to full-blown strokes. In fact, up to 1 in 5 people who experience a warning stroke may have a stroke within 90 days if they do not receive medical attention, according to Dr. Ahmed Itrat, the stroke medical director at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. So what exactly is a warning stroke? Medically, it refers to a transient ischemic attack, which causes sudden-onset temporary symptoms of neurological injury that resolve on their own. These symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke, but the difference is that they do not result in permanent neurological damage.
Transient ischemic attacks come on quickly, last for a short time, and do not result in the type of brain damage seen in full strokes. However, this does not mean you should ignore a transient ischemic attack. It is a medical condition that should be taken seriously. According to Giglio, it often serves as a warning sign for someone who may have a stroke within the next 48 hours or within the next seven, 30, or 90 days.
Transient ischemic attacks are commonly referred to as “ministrokes,” but Dr. Joshua Willey, a stroke neurology expert at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, believes this term minimizes the urgency of the condition. On the other hand, the term “warning strokes” highlights that this condition is an emergency, just like a “regular” stroke. The signs of transient ischemic attacks and strokes are the same.
All three experts agree that the signs and symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are identical to those of a stroke. They refer to the widely accepted mnemonic device “BE FAST” to identify stroke symptoms. These symptoms come on quickly:
– Balance: Changes in balance or loss of balance
– Eyesight: Changes in vision such as blurriness, loss of sight, or double vision
– Facial droop: Drooping of the face or an uneven smile
– Arm: Weakness in one arm
– Speech: Changes in speech, slurring words, or speaking gibberish
– Time: Call emergency services immediately
Willey also suggests that the “t” in “BE FAST” can stand for the sudden onset of a terrible headache. It is important to note that one symptom is enough reason to seek medical attention. If you notice any of these signs, do not hesitate to go to the emergency room.
Conditions like high blood pressure increase the risk of both strokes and warning strokes. Although the symptoms of warning strokes are fleeting, they should not be dismissed lightly. There is no precise duration for how long these symptoms may last, but typically, transient ischemic attacks last no more than 5 to 10 minutes and often less than an hour. However brief, these symptoms should not be minimized, as there is no way to predict if they will resolve on their own or develop into a disabling condition.
If you experience any warning stroke symptoms, it is crucial to call emergency medical services immediately. Waiting for the symptoms to go away is not advisable, as they may persist. When seeking help, inform the medical staff that you suspect you may have had a stroke. Do not downplay your symptoms. A warning stroke is an emergency and should be treated as such. If you are uncomfortable going to the emergency room, see your doctor or cardiologist as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, as many individuals who experience a transient ischemic attack may have a stroke within 48 hours.
Reducing your risk of stroke and warning strokes is possible. Conditions like high cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes increase the risk, so it is essential to manage these conditions effectively. This may involve lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, altering your diet, or taking medications for conditions like high blood pressure.
In conclusion, it is crucial for the public to understand the signs and symptoms of stroke and warning strokes. Seeking prompt medical attention is vital in both cases. Strokes are prevalent in the United States, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms and alert medical professionals if you or a loved one experiences a transient ischemic attack.
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