Stroke/ TIA Treatment

Diagnosis & Treatment

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The two main types of stroke are ischaemic, caused by a blood clot, and haemorrhagic, caused by a burst blood vessel.

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Symptoms

There is a well-known acronym for identifying a stroke: FAST. FAST stands for facial and arm weakness, speech problems and time, meaning time to call 999.

Additional symptoms include:

Blurry vision
Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
Confusion or memory loss
A sudden, intense headache

Prevention

Eating a healthy diet and exercising more can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking will also reduce your risk of stroke. Smoking both narrows your arteries and increases the likelihood of clotting.
Causes

Stroke occurs when a blood clot (ischaemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke) disrupts blood flow to the brain. Without blood, your brain misses vital oxygen and nutrients, which can cause damage to your brain cells, affecting your thoughts, speech, and movements.

Ischaemic strokes are more common, and causes include narrow or blocked arteries and atrial fibrillation (AF). Haemorrhagic strokes often occur due to high blood pressure. You can lower your risk of both types with various lifestyle changes.
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or a mini-stroke, is a temporary interruption to blood flow over a few minutes up to 24 hours. A TIA often warns of a future stroke; you should view it just as seriously.
Treatment

Treatments for a stroke vary depending on the type of stroke – ischaemic or haemorrhagic – and what caused it. Options include medications such as blood thinners and surgery. After a stroke, you may need neurorehabilitation to help you recover.
Managing diabetes and AF

If you have another condition that raises your stroke risk, such as diabetes or AF, managing this should help keep your risk low. For example, you can often manage AF, which is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, with medications and lifestyle changes.

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Ten Harley Street Limited
10 Harley Street
London W1G 9PF
United Kingdom

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Call: 07954 847 479