Although more common with bleeding strokes, a sudden, severe headache—especially when accompanied by other neurological symptoms—should never be ignored.

Remember the FAST Warning Signs

Health organizations often recommend the FAST acronym to recognize a possible stroke quickly.

F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arms: Is one arm weak or difficult to raise?

S – Speech: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?

T – Time: Time is critical. Call emergency medical services immediately.

Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, seek emergency medical care right away.

Why Immediate Medical Attention Matters

Many people mistakenly believe that because TIA symptoms disappear, the danger has passed.

Unfortunately, that’s not true.

A TIA provides doctors with an opportunity to identify the underlying cause and begin treatments that may reduce the risk of a future stroke.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

Blood-thinning or antiplatelet medications
Blood pressure management
Cholesterol-lowering medications
Blood sugar control
Lifestyle changes
Procedures to improve blood flow in certain cases

Early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Several factors increase the likelihood of both TIA and stroke.

Some cannot be changed, including:

Older age
Family history
Previous stroke or TIA

Others can often be managed through healthy lifestyle choices and medical care.

These include:

High blood pressure
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Excessive alcohol consumption
Atrial fibrillation and other heart conditions

Managing these conditions is one of the most effective ways to reduce stroke risk.

Healthy Habits That Support Stroke Prevention

While no strategy can completely eliminate the risk of stroke, healthy daily habits can make a meaningful difference.

Control Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the strongest risk factors for stroke.

Regular monitoring and following your treatment plan are essential.

Stay Physically Active

Aim for at least:

150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week

Walking, swimming, cycling, and dancing are all excellent options.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Choose foods such as:

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Beans
Fish
Lean proteins
Healthy fats like olive oil and nuts

Limit excessive sodium, added sugars, and highly processed foods.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of blood clots.

Quitting smoking provides benefits at any age.

Manage Diabetes

Good blood sugar control helps protect blood vessels throughout the body, including those supplying the brain.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

A healthy weight supports better blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep quality has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke.

Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night.

When Should You Call Emergency Services?

Call emergency medical services immediately if you or someone else experiences sudden:

Facial drooping
Arm weakness
Difficulty speaking
Vision loss
Loss of balance
Confusion
Severe headache with neurological symptoms

Do not drive yourself to the hospital if emergency medical services are available. Prompt evaluation can be lifesaving, and emergency responders can begin care on the way to the hospital.

Even if symptoms resolve within minutes, emergency evaluation is still necessary because a TIA requires urgent medical assessment.