Ministroke Signs Largely Ignored by the Public

Over two-thirds of the general population fails to recognize the signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), according to the findings of a new poll.

Conducted by the Stroke Association (London, United Kingdom), the survey of over 2,000 members of the public revealed that 68% of people had never heard of TIA and did not identify the symptoms, with over a quarter (26%) believing they were symptoms of a heart attack, and 40% unaware that a TIA was a warning sign of a major stroke. Nearly nine out of ten people (87%) would be worried if they experienced the symptoms of a ministroke, yet almost three quarters (74%) would not take emergency action and go to hospital. The results of the poll were published by the Stroke Association on World Stroke Day (29 October 2012).

“Too many people remain unaware of the huge risk of stroke following a TIA. This needs to change,” said Jon Barrick, chief executive of the Stroke Association. “Anyone who experiences the symptoms, regardless of whether they disappear within a matter of minutes, should go to hospital immediately. Assume it's a stroke until it's proven not to be by a medical professional.”

“A TIA is an emergency and a significant proportion of people will go on to have a major stroke if they don't seek urgent medical attention,” commented Professor of Clinical Neurology Peter Rothwell, MD, of Oxford University (United Kingdom). “However, this poll suggests that the signs of a TIA are still being ignored.”

A TIA is a stroke-like event, which is caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain. Similar to a major stroke, it can be diagnosed using the FAST acronym, but the symptoms are only temporary: Facial weakness - has the person's face drooped, usually down one side; Arm weakness - is the person able to lift both arms above their head; Speech problems - does the person's speech sound slurred; Time to call - if one or more of these symptoms are present call emergency services immediately.

Related Links:
Stroke Association
Oxford University