Every 40 seconds, someone worldwide experiences a stroke. This figure is horrifying, but there's something even more worrying: the public's lack of knowledge about proper and rapid first aid.
Many people underestimate, or even confuse, the symptoms of what's often called a "mini-stroke" (Transient Ischemic Attack/TIA) and compare them to the symptoms of a "major stroke." The question is, which of the two is more dangerous? The answer may surprise you.
Why Time Is Brain: Understanding the Concept of the Golden Hour Stroke
When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Medical experts call this period the "Golden Hour," or Therapeutic Window , during which prompt and appropriate medical intervention (such as thrombolytic therapy) can minimize brain damage, save lives, and even reverse symptoms.
This concept applies to all types of stroke. A delay of hours, even minutes, can cause millions of brain cells to die permanently.
Mini-Treatment Stroke (TIA): Warning Sign or Time Bomb?
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) , often called a mini-stroke, is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, usually for less than 24 hours. Symptoms disappear completely within a short time (usually within minutes).
Typical Symptoms of TIA & Ischemic Stroke
- Numbness or weakness on one side of the body that comes and goes.
- Double vision or sudden blurred vision.
- Difficulty speaking (slurred speech) or understanding short speech.
CRUCIAL ANSWER: Mild Strokes Are MUCH MORE DANGEROUS!
Even if the symptoms disappear, TIA is not a trivial condition!
Fact: A TIA is a very strong warning signal. About 1 in 3 people who experience a TIA will have a major stroke within 1 year . This is your last chance to act and prevent permanent brain damage.
Severe Stroke: When Brain Damage Has Occurred
A severe stroke is a condition in which the blood supply to part of the brain is completely cut off (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke), causing permanent brain cell death. Symptoms persist and require immediate intensive medical attention.
60 Second Action: Remember to go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY!
If you see someone, or even yourself, experiencing stroke symptoms, DON'T WAIT FOR THE SYMPTOMS TO GO AWAY! Perform a rapid test IMMEDIATELY. GO TO THE HOSPITAL within 60 seconds and act immediately.
- Asymmetrical smile
- Body movements weaken suddenly
- Slurred or unclear speech
- To bass or tingling in half of the body
- Sudden nearsightedness or blurred vision
- Sudden severe headache
Both a TIA and a major stroke are medical emergencies that require immediate intervention. Never underestimate a TIA. Consider it a second chance to prevent a larger health disaster.
If you've experienced a TIA or have risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol), seek immediate medical consultation and screening at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital. Don't let the "golden hour" go to waste. Contact our emergency department or schedule an appointment with our specialist today to maintain your brain's vascular health.
Article written by Dr. Sigit Dewanto, Sp.N, FINS, FINA (Neurology Specialist Doctor at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).