Urgent early warning signs after woman suffers 'mini stroke' walking the dog

Even mini-strokes should be treated as a medical emergency, the experts warned (Image: GETTY)

A woman who had a "mini-stroke" while walking her dog has spoken of her experiences.

Jeni Underhill has teamed up with Higgs LLP to raise awareness about so-called TIAs after suffering her first attack while walking her dog.

Transient Ischemic Attacks, also known as TIAs or "mini-strokes", are often temporary and don't usually have lasting side effects. Because these attacks can present vastly different symptoms to regular strokes, many people may not even realise they've had one.

She seemingly didn't show any physical symptoms but found herself unable to speak when she unexpectedly ran into a friend.

Jeni recalled: "I had no idea what was happening to me…my mind went completely blank."

Although the incident rattled Jeni, she didn't give it much thought until later when she was in a restaurant.

She shared: "As I tried to read the menu, the words seemed to swirl and jump around, almost as if I were dyslexic. I couldn’t speak, and my brain couldn’t connect my thoughts to the words. That’s when my husband urged me to seek medical help."

After persistent prodding from her family, Jeni sought medical attention and was diagnosed with TIAs following an ECG and MRI. She added: "I’m now on medication to reduce my risk of having a full stroke. If I hadn’t spoken up about my symptoms and started this treatment plan, I dread to think what could have happened in the future."

Clare Langford, Medical Negligence Expert at Higgs LLP, cautioned that mini-strokes needed immediate attention similar to full strokes: "(It’s) a temporary disruption of blood flow and oxygen to the brain, frequently caused by blood clots. They often have very similar symptoms to strokes, but unlike a stroke, they leave no lasting damage or symptoms.

"Symptoms present similar to a stroke – drooping face, inability to smile, inability to lift one’s arms, and slurred speech. A TIA is a warning that patients may be at risk of having a stroke in the future and, by getting medical help for these symptoms, doctors can determine the best plan for reducing the chances of this.

"Earlier treatment means a greater chance of recovery. If treatment is delayed, this can lead to greater chance of death, disability, or more extensive rehabilitation."

Moreover, given that strokes are a medical emergency, Clare Langford highlighted that misdiagnosis, treatment delay, or substandard care could potentially entitle one to compensation.

"Earlier treatment means a greater chance of recovery. If treatment is delayed, this can lead to greater chance of death, disability, or more extensive rehabilitation.

"I’m now on medication to reduce my risk of having a full stroke. If I hadn’t spoken up about my symptoms and started this treatment plan, I dread to think what could have happened in the future.

"(It’s) a temporary disruption of blood flow and oxygen to the brain, frequently caused by blood clots. They often have very similar symptoms to strokes, but unlike a stroke, they leave no lasting damage or symptoms.

"Symptoms present similar to a stroke – drooping face, inability to smile, inability to lift one’s arms, and slurred speech. A TIA is a warning that patients may be at risk of having a stroke in the future and, by getting medical help for these symptoms, doctors can determine the best plan for reducing the chances of this.

"Earlier treatment means a greater chance of recovery. If treatment is delayed, this can lead to a greater chance of death, disability, or more extensive rehabilitation."