In recognition of World Stroke Day, Higgs LLP is calling on everyone to stay alert to the critical warning signs of stroke—a medical emergency that demands immediate attention.
The medical negligence team at Higgs LLP is focusing on raising awareness of the key symptoms that could signal a stroke, emphasising the importance of early detection and timely intervention. They also offer guidance for individuals who believe their doctor may have overlooked the signs of a stroke, which can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
Recent trends suggest a growing public awareness of stroke symptoms, particularly mini-strokes. According to Higgs LLP’s analysis of Google search data, there has been a staggering 2,300% increase in searches for "mini stroke symptoms in females" and a 650% rise in searches for "mini stroke symptoms in males." Additionally, searches for "signs of stroke before it happens" have surged by 600%, reflecting the increasing concern about identifying early warning signs.
"Early detection is crucial when dealing with strokes or any life-threatening condition. If something feels off, patients should always seek medical attention without delay. Symptoms must never be overlooked, and it's essential that both patients and healthcare providers take any warning signs seriously to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment."
Clare Langford
Medical Negligence Lawyer
What are the red flag symptoms of a stroke?
“There are a range of symptoms which can be red flag warning signs of stroke. The main symptoms can happen and can include weakness in the face – finding it hard to smile or one half of your face dropping, weakness in the arms, and/or speech problems. NHS advise to remember the annotation FAST – face, arms, speech, and time to call 999. Other signs and symptoms can include numbness (especially on one side of the body), blurred vision, sudden confusion, dizziness, and a sudden and severe headache.
It's crucial that, if people experience stroke symptoms, they seek emergency medical help. Symptoms can sometimes stop after a short amount of time, and this can lead patients to believe the danger has passed. However, this delay can be life-threatening, as early intervention is key to preventing long-term damage and improving outcomes.”
What is a mini-stroke? What are the symptoms?
“A mini-stroke is the colloquial term for a TIA – a transient ischemic attack – which is a temporary disruption of blood flow and oxygen to the brain, frequently caused by blood clots. They often have very similar symptoms to strokes, but unlike a stroke, they leave no lasting damage or symptoms.
“Symptoms present similar to a stroke – drooping face, inability to smile, inability to lift one’s arms, and slurred speech. A TIA is a warning that patients may be at risk of having a stroke in the future and, by getting medical help for these symptoms, doctors can determine the best plan for reducing the chances of this.”
"I had no idea what was happening to me. The first time, I was out walking my dogs and bumped into a friend. When I tried to speak, I simply couldn’t—my mind went completely blank. The second time was in a restaurant. As I tried to read the menu, the words seemed to swirl and jump around, almost as if I were dyslexic. I couldn’t speak, and my brain couldn’t connect my thoughts to the words. That’s when my husband urged me to seek medical help.
I’ll admit, I didn’t treat it like the emergency it was, and I’m incredibly fortunate that my family pushed me to get support. After undergoing ECGs and MRIs, I was diagnosed with TIAs (Transient Ischemic Attacks). I’m now on medication to reduce my risk of having a full stroke. If I hadn’t spoken up about my symptoms and started this treatment plan, I dread to think what could have happened in the future."
Jeni Underhill, who experienced two TIAs this year
