A new study has found that one out of every eight stroke victims has a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke beforehand.
The research, appearing in the journal Neurology, reports that 12 percent of all stroke victims identified over a four year period in Ontario suffered mild stroke as well. A TIA is identified as lasting less than 24 hours and resolving with no lasting effects.
Researchers say those who had a warning stroke were typically older than those without one. They were also more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems.
However, sufferers who did not have a TIA were more likely to have a more serious stroke. Researchers say its possible those who previously had mild strokes may have blood vessels that were “preconditioned to the lack of blood flow, which protected them from the full result of the larger stroke.”
Symptoms of a stroke include trouble walking or speaking, paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, vision problems and headache. Medical experts say all strokes should be treated at an emergency room immediately.
According to WebMD, controlling high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and managing stress are important health resources to reduce the risk of stroke.