Heart Health
Short-term stroke symptoms still need emergency care
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
An episode of stroke symptoms that disappear in less than an hour is known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). After a TIA, it may seem like you're back to normal. Even so, it's still best to seek immediate care to prevent a full-blown stroke, according to a statement from the American Heart Association published online Jan. 19, 2023, by the journal Stroke.
Each year, about 240,000 people experience a TIA — a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. While the TIA itself doesn't cause permanent damage, nearly one out of five people who have a TIA will suffer a full-blown stroke within three months.
Because TIA symptoms go away, people often ignore their seriousness and don't seek immediate care. The statement underscored that it's important for people to be able to identify TIA symptoms so they can take action. It recommended the FAST guideline, which stands for Face drooping or numbness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
The statement also highlighted strategies people can adopt to lower their TIA risk and, if they have had a TIA, to help prevent future strokes. These include behavioral health counseling, increased physical activity, following a plant-based diet, and limiting alcohol intake.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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