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Stroke Association statement on TIA and mini-stroke awareness
In response to the story in the Daily Mail that the FAST campaign has failed to help patients recognise the signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor strokes Dominic Brand, Executive Director of External Affairs at the Stroke Association said:
“The FAST test is a very effective way to spot the three most common signs of stroke or TIA, but there are other indicators that you should also take seriously. Symptoms that come on suddenly like having weakness or numbness in your legs, hands or feet, difficulty speaking, blurred or lost vision, memory loss, confusion or a severe headache. If you spot any of these signs of a stroke, don’t wait, call 999 and say you (or your loved one) is having a stroke. You cannot be sure of the cause until your symptoms are investigated by a doctor.
“It is an issue that too many people delay taking immediate action, often people wait for a GP appointment or even visit their optician. A TIA (or mini-stroke) is a major warning sign you are at risk of having a stroke. We believe that around 80% of strokes could be prevented after TIA if the right tests and treatments are carried out.”
