You probably know the symptoms of a heart attack, but it’s just as important to know the symptoms of a stroke. Why is it important? Like a heart attack, a stroke is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Even a transient ischemic attack or TIA, in which stroke symptoms appear suddenly and quickly subside, is a medical emergency.
Whether you are having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, the symptoms are the same. With a TIA, the symptoms are transitory, often lasting only minutes. If you (or someone you’re with) experiences the sudden onset of any of the stroke symptoms listed below -- even if the symptoms begin to subside -- you must call 911 or go straight to the hospital. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of a stroke may minimize damage to brain tissue and improve the chances of survival.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.
- Sudden loss, blurring, or dimness of vision.
- Mental confusion, loss of memory, or sudden loss of consciousness.
- Slurred speech, loss of speech, or problems understanding others
- A sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause.
- Unexplained dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination
- Nausea and vomiting, especially when accompanied by any of the above symptoms
The importance of responding immediately to symptoms of a stroke is underscored by a study reported in the journal Neurology (Volume 64, page 817): Warning signs of an ischemic stroke may occur up to seven days before the event itself, according to researchers, and these signs should be taken seriously to minimize the chance of a major stroke.
The study examined data on 2,416 people, all of whom had an ischemic stroke. About a quarter of them described having symptoms consistent with a transient ischemic attack before their stroke, most often during the prior week. Seventeen percent of the transient ischemic attack group had symptoms of a transient ischemic attack on the day of the ischemic stroke. However, transient ischemic attack symptoms occurred earlier in other patients -- 9% on the previous day, and 43% on another day during the seven days before the stroke. There was no correlation between patient characteristics (including cardiovascular risk factors) and the timing of the transient ischemic attack.
Bottom line: This study clearly shows that having a transient ischemic attack is a sign that a stroke could be in your near future. If you experience symptoms of a transient ischemic attack, you should be evaluated by a doctor within a few hours. After the evaluation, you may be prescribed anti-clotting drugs or undergo a surgical procedure to remove plaques in the carotid arteries. These steps will help prevent a major ischemic stroke.
