Early Intervention is Crucial

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” causes the same symptoms as a stroke but lasts only minutes to a few hours.

• TIA occurs within one week before a full-blown stroke in 20 percent of patients.

• Approximately 10 to 15 percent of TIA patients have a stroke within three months; half of this risk(5 to 7.5 percent) is within the first 48 hours.

• Early management and appropriate interventions can lower these risks by 80 percent.

Warning Signs of Stroke or TIA

Sudden onset of any of the following:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg — especially on one side of the body

• Confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding language

• Problems with vision in one or both eyes

• Vertigo or problems with coordination or balance

For more information about stroke care at Rush, visit the Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease home page.