A stroke is also called a brain attack and can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain gets blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Strokes are often silent before the attack. However, there are certain symptoms that can indicate a mini-stroke, which can lead to a major, life-threatening stroke in the coming hours or days.
Mini stroke symptoms are common
Around 43 percent of stroke patients experience mini-stroke symptoms “up to a week before” a major stroke, according to the health portal Cardiac Screen.Mini strokes refer to a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is triggered by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to a part of the brain. Sudden delirium is one of the tell-tale signs of TIA.
What happens in sudden delirium?
A study, published in the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that one of the common signs of TIA is sudden delirium or confusion. This symptom could leave you unable to think or speak clearly.
About the study
The research team examined 2,416 participants who suffered from an ischaemic stroke. They found that in 549 patients, TIAs appeared before the actual emergency and happened within the week leading to a stroke in most cases.
How to identify someone with delirium
A patient experiencing delirium could feel disorientated and struggle to pay attention or remember things. According to the NHS UK, if you suspect someone is experiencing this sign, “Try asking the person their name, their age and today's date. If they seem unsure or cannot answer you, they probably need medical help.”It is important to not ignore the early warning signs and “get help right away as a more serious stroke could be hours or days away,” Cardiac Screen warns.
How to prevent a stroke
Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help in reducing your risk of a stroke. Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit your salt intake and ensure you do not have more than six grams a day. Excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of stroke. It is important to quit smoking and cut back on alcohol.
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