Aspirin must be given to patients within hours of having a mini stroke, a team of researchers has said.
Scientists from Oxford University reviewed data from 15 different trials to assess the benefits of aspirin after a mini stroke.
A mini stroke, known medically as a Transient Ischaemia Attack (TIA), is when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily disrupted. Symptoms are similar to a stroke but will quickly resolve.
Someone who has had a mini stroke is at a much greater risk of suffering a major stroke within the following days.
Aspirin is known to decrease the risk of a major stroke after a TIA, although researchers say that until now its benefits have been “hugely underestimated”, meaning treatment is sometimes delayed.
The study found that aspirin is most effective when given in the hours or days after a mini stroke. If administered early enough, aspirin can reduce the risk of a major stroke from one in 20 people per day to one in 100.
The researchers are now calling for clearer guidelines to ensure medical services provide aspirin as soon as possible after a suspected TIA.
They also say that it is vital patients are not simply told to add aspirin to their next prescription and discharged from hospital. The medication is required as a matter of urgency if further strokes are to be prevented.
Professor Peter Rothwell, the lead researcher, said: “We need to encourage people, if they think they’ve had some neurological symptoms that might be a minor stroke or TIA, to take aspirin immediately, as well as ideally seeking medical attention.”
Stroke claims
If you or your loved one suffered a stroke but treatment was delayed, please get in touch with us at Glynns Solicitors.
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