HAVE YOU SUFFERED A WARNING STROKE WITHOUT KNOWING IT?

Most adults who had at least one sign of a "mini" stroke - a temporary blockage also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) - waited or rested until symptoms had faded instead of heading for the emergency room right away, according to the research from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

"Ignoring any stroke sign could be a deadly mistake. Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether you're having a TIA or a stroke. If you or someone you know experiences a stroke warning sign that comes on suddenly - whether it goes away or not - get them to the hospital right away to improve chances of an accurate diagnosis, treatment and recovery."

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. People who experience this type of stroke may be treated immediately with a special clot-busting drug.

A device called a stent retriever may also be used to remove the clot and help prevent long-term disability.

The American Stroke Association uses the acronym F.A.S.T. to help people remember the most common stroke signs:

- Face drooping;

- Arm weakness;

- Speech difficulty;

- Sudden confusion;

- Trouble speaking or understanding;

- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body;

- Vision loss in one or both eyes;

- Trouble walking;

- Dizziness;

- Loss of balance or coordination;

- Unexplained sudden, severe headache.

SOURCE: American Stroke Association, news release, May 1, 2017