adequate blood flow, brain cells can begin to die within minutes. Faster treatment can reduce brain damage and improve the chances of recovery.
Even if symptoms disappear, emergency assessment is still necessary because a TIA can look exactly like a stroke at first. The American Stroke Association recommends urgent evaluation even when symptoms last less than an hour.
## Who Is at Higher Risk of Stroke?
Several factors can increase stroke risk, including:
* High blood pressure
* Smoking
* Diabetes
* High cholesterol
* Atrial fibrillation
* Previous stroke or TIA
* Cardiovascular disease
* Physical inactivity
* Older
