A new study from the University of Oxford in England has found that if aspirin is taken immediately after a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, risk of a major, fatal stroke over the next few days or weeks can be reduced by 70 to 80 percent. Researchers said that the finding has major implications for both doctors and the general public, recommending that aspirin be given immediately if a minor stroke is suspected.
People have a 1,000 times higher risk of having a major stroke right after a mini-stroke than those in the general population.
“Encouraging people to take aspirin if they think they may have had a TIA or minor stroke — experiencing sudden-onset unfamiliar neurological symptoms — could help to address this situation, particularly if urgent medical help is unavailable,” said lead researcher Peter Rothwell.
Dr. Dale Webb, England’s Stroke Association’s director of research and information, said “the findings suggest that anyone who has stroke symptoms, which are improving while they are awaiting urgent medical attention can, if they are able, take one dose of 300 milligram aspirin.”
Symptoms are similar for both mini strokes and major strokes. They include numbness or muscle weakness that typically occurs on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, loss of balance or dizziness, and double vision or difficulty seeing. Mini-stroke symptoms typically only last a few minutes, although they may persist up to 24 hours.
Rothwell noted that many people with symptoms of a mini-stroke are less likely to seek immediate medical attention, and many do not see a doctor at all. Meanwhile they are at risk for a recurrent stroke. He says encouraging people to take aspirin if they suspect they have had a TIA or minor stroke could help address the situation.
The study, which included data from 56,000 people, was published May 18 in the journal Lancet.