*A temporary medical episode that mimics the effects of a stroke could be your body’s way of signaling that a far more serious event is on the horizon, health experts warn. Known as a transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, this condition is often referred to as a “mini stroke” or “warning stroke” and should never be ignored.
According to LAD Bible, Dr. Ahmed Itrat explained that a TIA produces symptoms nearly identical to a full stroke, but noted the “only difference is they don’t lead to a permanent neurological injury.” These episodes typically clear up on their own within minutes or hours, which may lead some people to dismiss them entirely.
However, doing so could be a dangerous mistake. Dr. Brandon Giglio, the director of vascular neurology at NYU Langone Hospital, stressed that a TIA frequently precedes a much larger event. “It really is a harbinger in many people for someone who is going to have a stroke even within the next 48 hours and certainly within the next seven, 30, 90 days,” he said.
Warning signs to monitor include one side of the face appearing to droop, weakness in the arms, trouble speaking clearly, impaired vision, dizziness, confusion, and problems maintaining balance or swallowing. Women may notice additional symptoms that are easier to overlook, including nausea, hiccups, pain in the chest, sudden fatigue, difficulty breathing, or an unusually fast heartbeat.
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The NHS recommends that anyone showing TIA symptoms should receive a specialist referral no later than 24 hours after onset. The agency also advises that “a TIA is a warning that you’re at risk of having a full stroke in the near future. An assessment can help doctors determine the best way to reduce the chances of this happening.”
Dr. Giglio urged anyone noticing sudden stroke-like symptoms to act without hesitation. “If someone has any of those signs and they were abrupt in onset, I would advise them to go to the nearest emergency room,” he said.
Lowering your overall risk through nutritious eating, consistent physical activity, cutting back on alcohol, and steering clear of smoking can also serve as important safeguards.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: How to Spot a Stroke: Key Warning Signs and Fast Action Steps
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