Transient ischaemic attacks and mild strokes
A guide for patients and carers
What are the risks of a future stroke?
It is very difficult to predict which people are likely to have further problems. In general about one in 10, or 10 per cent, of people will have a stroke during the first year after a transient ischaemic attack. This is the highest risk period - after the first year the risk drops to about one in 20, or five per cent. Of course, a stroke will not necessarily be severe and the symptoms might disappear completely. Transient ischaemic attacks which are frequent and which last more than a few minutes are of most concern since they are associated with a greater risk of stroke.
People who have had a transient ischaemic attack are also at greater risk of having a heart attack or coronary thrombosis.
Contents
- Introduction
- What is a transient ischaemic attack?
- What is a stroke?
- What are the symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack?
- What causes a transient ischaemic attack?
- What happens if you have a transient ischaemic attack?
- What tests will the doctors do?
- What are the risks of a future stroke?
- What can be done to reduce the risks?
- How will lifestyle be affected?
- Conclusion
- Other organisations that may be able to help