A stroke is also called a brain attack and can lead to brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. A stroke attack happens silently. However, certain symptoms may indicate a mini-stroke, which may lead to a major stroke in the coming hours or days.
What is a mini-stroke?
According to the health portal Cardiac Screen, about 43 percent of stroke patients experience mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before a major stroke. Mini stroke refers to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which occurs due to a blockage in the blood supply to a part of the brain. Sudden delirium is one of the telltale signs of a transient ischemic attack.
What happens in sudden delirium?
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Neurology found that one of the common symptoms of transient ischemic attack is sudden delirium or confusion. This symptom may make you unable to think or speak clearly. The research team examined 2416 people suffering from ischemic stroke. In this, researchers found that in 549 patients, transient ischemic attacks appeared before the actual emergency and occurred in most cases within a week.
How to identify delirium?
A patient experiencing delirium may feel disoriented and may struggle to pay attention or remember things. According to NHS UK, if you suspect that someone is experiencing this sign, try asking that person their name, their age, and the date it is today. If he is not able to answer these questions, then he probably needs medical help.
How to prevent stroke?
By eating healthy food and exercising regularly, you can reduce the risk of stroke. Eat low-fat, high-fiber foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit the intake of salt and make sure that you do not take more than six grams of salt in a day. Excess salt intake can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke. Also, quit smoking and cut down on alcohol consumption.
