Two months ago, Queen guitarist Brian May was taken to hospital following a ‘health hiccup’ that turned out to be a ‘minor stroke’. The 77-year-old rock legend temporarily lost the use of his left arm, an ordeal he shared with his fans, confessing he found it quite scary.
Now in recovery and raving about the ‘fantastic care’ Frimley Park Hospital provided, May’s situation has brought attention to the myriad of subtle stroke symptoms that are vital to watch for. Notably, ‘minor strokes’ like May’s and ‘regular strokes’ can present differently.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham, a retired GP at the Help and Advice, told the Express: “In my experience, the most recognisable symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F.A.S.T – Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
“However, there are less typical symptoms that people often miss. I’ve encountered cases where individuals experienced sudden confusion, difficulty understanding speech, or even a severe headache with no known cause. Some also report vision problems or dizziness. I always recommend being vigilant about any sudden and unexplained changes in neurological function.”
A minor stroke, also known as a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), typically occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain, back of the eye or spinal cord is temporarily blocked. This can cause symptoms similar to a full-blown stroke, such as numbness, difficulty speaking, dizziness or double vision, but it doesn’t usually result in permanent damage or disability, according to Mayo Clinic.
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In contrast, a regular stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is completely cut off, killing brain cells and potentially affecting bodily functions from that point forward. Those who have experienced a minor stroke are particularly at risk of having a regular stroke within the next 48 hours, which could be life-threatening.
“In some instances, symptoms may last only a few minutes, a condition known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini-stroke’, which serves as a warning sign for potential future strokes,” Dr Cunningham summarised. “However, full-blown strokes can cause lasting damage.
“Silent strokes are indeed a reality [too]. Unlike typical strokes, these don’t present noticeable symptoms and can go unnoticed. However, they still cause damage to the brain and can be identified through brain imaging.
“I have seen patients who only discovered they had a silent stroke during scans for other issues. These strokes can accumulate over time, leading to more significant health problems.”
If you suspect you’ve had a stroke, it’s vital to seek medical attention even if the symptoms have subsided. Dr Cunningham explained that hospitals may then conduct assessments and initiate preventative measures to reduce the risk of another medical emergency.
“Early intervention can be life-saving and greatly improve outcomes,” he went on. “I’ve learned that time is of the essence when dealing with strokes.
“Public awareness of the symptoms and risk factors can significantly impact outcomes. I always advocate for regular health check-ups, especially for those with risk factors. And remember, never hesitate to seek medical help if you suspect a stroke -better safe than sorry.”