During a recent study, researchers compared the quality of life and cognitive and physical functioning of people who had suffered strokes, mini-strokes (or transient ischemic attacks), and "whispering" strokes, which mean that the patient had stroke-like symptoms, but a stroke was never diagnosed. What they found was that patients who had suffered a whispering stroke had impaired physical function and a reduced quality of life, and to a lesser extent had mental functioning that was affected as well, compared to that of those who had never had a stroke. What this research means for doctors and patients is that even when a stroke hasn't been diagnosed, stroke-like symptoms need to be taken seriously and that more extensive testing may be indicated when a patient presents with these symptoms. Read more about whispering strokes and their symptoms here.
It is widely known that stressful holidays often trigger cardiovascular events. A new study reveals birthdays are also associated with a higher incidence of heart attacks, stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) -- also known as mini-strokes. The new report observes that the incidence of these cardiovascular occurrences is greater on birthdays than any other holiday, including Christmas.
