Stroke symptoms could damage the brain
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 09:22 AM

When a stroke strikes, the resulting damage to the body can be devastating and often permanent. Following this medical emergency, parts of the body could become paralyzed, while the brain may be so affected that memory loss occurs, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is why it is so vital for individuals to know the signs of a stroke so they can receive medical attention before it is too late.

However, while paralysis and memory loss are considered to be complications of an actual stroke, new research from the University of Cincinnati reveals that stroke symptoms alone may be enough to affect the brain. According to the study, which appears in the American Academy of Neurology medical journal "Neurology," those who exhibit stroke symptoms are at a higher risk of developing memory and thinking problems.

During the study, researchers worked with 23,830 individuals with an average age of 64 and no history of a stroke. Of these participants, 7,223 experienced stroke symptoms over the course of the study. The researchers tested these individuals' cognitive abilities annually to gain a better sense of the symptoms' effects.

Overall, Caucasians who experienced stroke symptoms were twice as likely to have memory and thinking problems than Caucasians who did not display any symptoms. The gap was larger among African Americans, as those with symptoms were almost 70 percent more likely to have cognitive problems than African Americans who showed no signs of a stroke.

"Our study highlights the importance of discussing stroke-like symptoms with your family doctor, even if they don't last long," said Brendan J. Kelley, the study's author. "These symptoms can be a warning sign that a person is at increased risk of stroke or problems with thinking or memory."

Based on the findings of this study, individuals who suddenly have trouble walking, speaking or seeing - all signs of a stroke - should first visit a doctor. If they are OK, an IQ test may be in order to see if their cognitive abilities have been affected.