Certain blood-related diseases, such as sickle cell disease or other blood clotting abnormalities, also increase stroke risk. And obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, heavy alcohol use and illegal drug use all put a person at increased risk. Studies show that potassium and fish, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, also may be beneficial. A sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause also may indicate a hemorrhagic stroke in which there is bleeding into or around the brain. Because people have the best chance for a good recovery if they are treated as early as possible after the onset of stroke symptoms, it is extremely important for a person to quickly seek emergency medical care if they experience such stroke or TIA symptoms.
Time is of the essence.
Doctors may use thrombolytic therapy to dissolve blood clots and limit the amount of damage that occurs to the brain. But this works best if done within 3 hours of the onset of the stroke. If blood pressure is higher than that, there is an increased risk of having a bleeding complication. However, it may be possible to use rapid-acting medications to bring the blood pressure into a more reasonable range. A person would undergo a physical examination.