Recognise the warning signs of a minor stroke NOW!
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Strokes are something anyone should watch out for regardless of age.
But it is seniors who are recommended to be most prepared.
Did you know that there is such a thing as a ‘minor’ stroke?
A minor stroke – also called a transient ischemic attack – is a ‘warning stroke’ that happens when the blood supply to your brain is briefly interrupted.
A minor stroke is caused by a blood clot or other blockage that stops blood from flowing. It's a serious warning sign that a major stroke could happen in the future.
‘Patients and even health care professionals often dismiss the symptoms,’ according to stroke specialist Dr Larry Goldstein.
‘Minor strokes are probably one of the most misdiagnosed conditions. But recognising a minor stroke and determining its cause can reduce the risk for damage from a major stroke.’
One side of the face drooping is a classic warning sign of a stroke. Credit: YouTube/Heart & Stroke
So, what are the symptoms?
To start, we have one important reminder: minor stroke symptoms are the same as major stroke. Their only difference is that they don’t last as long.
That said, these are the warning signs that may or may not happen simultaneously:
But what do you do when you spot someone having these symptoms?
Remember this term: Act F.A.S.T.
Aside from the acronym conveniently urging immediate activity, it means:
‘Each second that passes can mean 32,000 brain cells lost.’ Dr Michael Sloan said.
Left untreated, stroke victims may be at risk for death or long-term disability.
Sloan also stressed that an immediate assessment after a minor stroke helps analyse a person’s predisposition for a major stroke using factors like blood pressure, medical history, age, and duration of symptoms.
Data from the Australian Government reveals at least three in every 200 Australians have had a stroke.
Risk factors for stroke include a history of smoking, inadequate physical activity, unhealthy habits, high cholesterol levels, and pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, age, family history, and gender.
As with any story covering medical topics, we highly encourage you to get in touch with your doctor for professional advice on how to spot minor strokes and how to lessen your risk.
Meanwhile, you might also be interested in finding out the benefits of a good night’s sleep and what a hoarse throat could tell you about your heart.
So, be sure to act F.A.S.T when the time comes!
Are there any other tips to help spot minor strokes? How about pointers on how to keep healthy?
Tell us in the comments section below!
[Content warning: the video below may contain situations some viewers might find triggering or distressing. Please be advised.]
Source: YouTube/Heart & Stroke
But it is seniors who are recommended to be most prepared.
Did you know that there is such a thing as a ‘minor’ stroke?
A minor stroke – also called a transient ischemic attack – is a ‘warning stroke’ that happens when the blood supply to your brain is briefly interrupted.
A minor stroke is caused by a blood clot or other blockage that stops blood from flowing. It's a serious warning sign that a major stroke could happen in the future.
‘Patients and even health care professionals often dismiss the symptoms,’ according to stroke specialist Dr Larry Goldstein.
‘Minor strokes are probably one of the most misdiagnosed conditions. But recognising a minor stroke and determining its cause can reduce the risk for damage from a major stroke.’
One side of the face drooping is a classic warning sign of a stroke. Credit: YouTube/Heart & Stroke
So, what are the symptoms?
To start, we have one important reminder: minor stroke symptoms are the same as major stroke. Their only difference is that they don’t last as long.
That said, these are the warning signs that may or may not happen simultaneously:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms, legs, or on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble speaking (slurred speech) or understanding (confusion)
- Sudden problems seeing in one or both eyes
- Loss of balance, nausea, or trouble walking
- A severe headache with no obvious cause
But what do you do when you spot someone having these symptoms?
Remember this term: Act F.A.S.T.
Aside from the acronym conveniently urging immediate activity, it means:
- Face - Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?
- Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm lowering?
- Speech - Ask the person to repeat something simple. Are they visibly having trouble communicating? Are the words slurred?
- Time - Immediately call 000.
‘Each second that passes can mean 32,000 brain cells lost.’ Dr Michael Sloan said.
Left untreated, stroke victims may be at risk for death or long-term disability.
Sloan also stressed that an immediate assessment after a minor stroke helps analyse a person’s predisposition for a major stroke using factors like blood pressure, medical history, age, and duration of symptoms.
Risk factors for stroke include a history of smoking, inadequate physical activity, unhealthy habits, high cholesterol levels, and pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, age, family history, and gender.
As with any story covering medical topics, we highly encourage you to get in touch with your doctor for professional advice on how to spot minor strokes and how to lessen your risk.
Meanwhile, you might also be interested in finding out the benefits of a good night’s sleep and what a hoarse throat could tell you about your heart.
So, be sure to act F.A.S.T when the time comes!
Are there any other tips to help spot minor strokes? How about pointers on how to keep healthy?
Tell us in the comments section below!
[Content warning: the video below may contain situations some viewers might find triggering or distressing. Please be advised.]
Source: YouTube/Heart & Stroke
