By Lucy Quinton The chances of a major stroke would be significantly reduced if people sought urgen...
By Lucy Quinton
The chances of a major stroke would be significantly reduced if people sought urgent specialist medical advice following minor strokes or transient ischaemic attacks.
According to a team of researchers at Oxford University, who published their findings in Lancet Neurology, the lowest risk of stroke was seen in cases where patients were admitted to specialist stroke units when suffering from a minor stroke. The highest incidence of major strokes occurred in studies where urgent treatment was not sought.
Joe Korner, director of communications at the Stroke Association, said that a transient ischaemic attack was one of the warning signs that a major stroke may be on its way and it was vital anyone suffering from one sought urgent specialist medical help and for those at highest risk to be seen within 24 hours. He added: "Previous studies have shown that quick treatment following a transient ischaemic attack can reduce the risk of a major stroke by 80%.
"All too often people either ignore the symptoms or aren't aware of what the symptoms of stroke are. The Stroke Association urges anybody experiencing facial weakness, arm weakness or speech problems to dial 999.
"It is hoped, following the launch of the National Stroke Strategy towards the end of this year that more will be done to increase public awareness of stroke and its symptoms," Korner added.
About 150,000 people have a stroke each year in the UK, which can lead to incapacitation or death. According to the Stroke Association, most sufferers are over 65 but even children can suffer the effects. It is the third most common cause of death in the UK and is the single most common cause of severe disability.
