Residents Advised to Look for Stroke Warning Signals

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Using World Stroke Day to Raise Awareness of ‘Mini Strokes’

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, part of Mubadala’s network of healthcare providers, is using World Stroke Day on October 29 to raise awareness of the warning signs people should watch for to better understand their risk of stroke. 

Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), often referred to as ‘mini strokes’ or ‘warning strokes,’ mimic the symptoms of a full blown stroke. Caused by an in interruption in the blood flow to part of the brain, the symptoms which include weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body, slurred speech and difficulty talking start suddenly. Other symptoms to be aware of include severe sudden headache, loss of vision out of one or both eyes and loss of balance. Unlike strokes, where these symptoms may be permanent, in the case of mini strokes, the symptoms go away completely after a short period with no lasting damage.

These warning strokes are frequently followed by a permanent stroke, with 15% of all stroke victims having experienced one before their stroke. If left untreated, the risk of stroke within the first month after a TIA is about 10% and the risk is highest in the first 2 days following an attack. As a result, people who experience one should visit an Emergency Department immediately, even if their symptoms resolve quickly.

“Since the symptoms go away completely - sometimes very quickly - it is often tempting to think that they are not serious. On the contrary, these are important warning signs and a mini stroke could be a strong indication that a more severe stroke is on the way. Immediate treatment may prevent a permanent stroke. It is therefore essential to grasp the opportunity a mini stroke provides to seek medical advice immediately,” says Dr. Victoria Mifsud, a neurologist and director of the Stroke Program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. 

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, the designated stroke center for Abu Dhabi city, uses the acronym BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time to help people identify the signs of stroke. People who suspect they or someone they know might be having a stroke should dial 999 and call an ambulance immediately. 

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, despite the fact that up to 80% of strokes are preventable. One in four people experience a stroke during their lifetime. While the global average age of a stroke victim is over 65, the average age in the UAE is younger due to the high prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. Half of all stroke patients in the country are under the age of 45.

“Strokes may be preventable through lifestyle changes and proper management of chronic conditions. In a way, a mini stroke serves as a wake-up call that allows patients to work with their doctor to manage their risk factors and improve their overall health. Preventing stroke means patients can avoid the life altering complications it can cause,” continues Dr. Mifsud. 

People at increased risk of stroke or who have experienced a transient ischemic attack require close management of their risk factors and any underlying conditions that contribute to them. In addition, they can make lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of stroke including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and quitting smoking.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi draws upon expertise from its Neurological Institute, Emergency Department, Imaging Institute, Critical Care Institute and Heart & Vascular Institute, and to provide rapid, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of stroke, as well as rehabilitation for patients. 

For more information or to book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223), visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi app.