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A stroke is the third most common cause of death and often comes on suddenly. However, the body often sends warning signals beforehand. It is crucial to know them, not to underestimate them, and to act immediately.
Silent stroke (TIA): a warning you must not ignore
Transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly called „silent stroke“, is a temporary reduction of blood flow to the brain. The symptoms are the same as those of a full-blown stroke, but they disappear quickly – usually within one hour (at most within 24 hours). This can lead to underestimating the situation, yet it is an urgent condition and it is necessary to call emergency services.
- speech disturbance, babbling, unintelligible words,
- weakness of the limbs on one side of the body,
- drooping of the corner of the mouth,
- visual disturbance in one eye, visual field defects or double vision.
How to recognize that a stroke is approaching
Recognizing the symptoms is essential. The rule is: for any sudden neurological symptom call 155/112.
- Numbness or stiffness of the face (often on one side).
- Weakness of the arm or leg, sudden loss of coordination.
- Drooping of the corner of the mouth, crooked smile.
- Difficulty speaking – searching for words, unintelligibility.
- Problems with vision – blurred or double vision, loss of part of the visual field.
- Loss of balance, dizziness, „drunken“ gait.
- Sudden, severe headache without an obvious cause.
Critical first two days
After a „silent“ episode the risk of an actual stroke is highest in the first 48 hours; roughly half of events occur within 24 hours. Therefore it is necessary for the patient to be examined within 24 hours of the first symptoms – timely treatment will reduce the risk of permanent consequences and recurrence.
A cautionary example from practice
A 52-year-old woman spoke incoherently for a few minutes. The symptoms subsided, so she underestimated the situation. Two weeks later weakness of the right hand and speech disturbance developed. She reached specialist care only after hours – although doctors saved her life, she was left with severe consequences (paralysis, feeding tube, dependence on care). The delay decided the quality of her subsequent life.
What to do right now: FAST
- F – Face: ask to smile (drooping of the corner?).
- A – Arm: raise both arms (does one drop?).
- S – Speech: a simple sentence (slurred speech, unintelligible?).
- T – Time: time to call 155/112. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
How to reduce the risk of stroke
- Check blood pressure and cholesterol, treat atrial fibrillation.
- Don’t smoke, limit alcohol, maintain a healthy weight.
- Be physically active (at least 150 min per week of moderate activity).
- Eat a balanced diet – vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains; less salt and ultra-processed foods.
- Monitor blood glucose and take care of good sleep and stress management.
Summary
Stroke often follows a warning episode – a „silent“ stroke. Knowing the symptoms, calling for help immediately and not waiting can save a life and full independence. Share this information with loved ones – every minute counts.
