Risk of stroke after warning sign

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows the factors most likely to contribute to a stroke in the seven days after a transient ischemic attack.
It is well known that a transient ischemic attack (TIA) - sometimes known as a mini-stroke - may precede a full-blown stroke. That is why those with symptoms of TIA, which may include blurring of vision, numbness in one side of the body, or speech difficulties, should be assessed in seven days.

This is according to North American and UK guidelines. In fact, this prompt assessment often doesn't happen. A team at the University of Oxford, England, has looked at 200 patients with TIA to determine the risk factors that lead to a full-blown stroke within the next few days.

They found that age, blood pressure, clinical features, and duration of symptoms - a simple ABCD rule - influence the risk of stroke. This, they say, may help doctors prioritize the patients who must be monitored carefully after a TIA. The findings may also do more to educate the public on the significance of a TIA.

Source
The Lancet online 21st June 2005

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