Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - A new study shows that while the symptoms of mini-strokes tend to be milder or resolve on their own, there can be serious consequences if they’re not treated.
A mini-stroke occurs when part of the brain is deprived of oxygen for a short time. It begins suddenly and the individual may experience weakness or temporarily lose function in one part of the body.
But because the symptoms are mild and can go away in 24 hours, patients may not seek immediate medical attention.
However, many of them could do permanent damage that can only be detected on a brain scan.
The study published in the American Heart Association’s Stroke Journal found that without medical intervention after a mini stroke, damage could be far more serious.
Researchers evaluated disabilities of more than 500 mini stroke patients at the onset of the stroke and again 90 days later.
They found the disabilities of many patients who received no initial medical intervention or preventative therapy deteriorated significantly.
The authors concluded that there is growing evidence suggesting that what appears to be a mini stroke on a brain, could still have a major impact on a patient’s quality of life.
