In September, Queen guitarist Brian May was rushed hospital following a ‘health hiccup’ that turned out to be a ‘minor stroke’. The incident, also known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), left the 77-year-old completely unable to use his left arm, and he admitted to fans that it was all ‘a little scary’.
While the rock star is now on the mend and raved about the ‘fantastic care’ he received at Frimley Park Hospital, a doctor has shone a light on numerous overlooked stroke symptoms that are critical look out for. Crucially, ‘minor strokes’ and ‘regular strokes’ aren’t quite the same either, with both potentially manifesting in different ways.
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, or TIA, may take place when blood flow to a part of the brain, back of the eye or spinal cord is temporarily blocked. In turn, this may trigger stroke-like symptoms, including numbness, trouble speaking, dizziness or double vision, but it doesn’t usually damage brain cells or give rise a to a permeant disability, according to Mayo Clinic.
Meanwhile, regular strokes often see blood supply completely cut off to one part of the brain, which kills brain cells and can affect how your body functions from that point onwards. If you suffer from a minor stroke, you’re especially likely to experience a regular stroke within the same 48 hours. This may 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.”