A new study has found that many people after having a minor stroke or so-called mini-stroke are unaware that they have had a stroke. The worse is that they do not seek medical treatment for more than 24 hours afterwards.

Data from about 1,000 patients was analyzed by British researchers. These people who were aged 73 on an average had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a minor stroke.

Symptoms caused by a minor stroke are balance problems, unexpected trouble in speaking, temporary weakness, or numbness of an arm or leg, as well as vertigo.

Reports say that as TIAs and minor strokes do not cause any major brain damage but it is important to treat them as early treatment of these conditions reduces the risk of a more serious stroke in future.

The causes of symptoms of TIA and minor stroke were not known by about 68 per cent and 69 per cent, respectively. Medical attention was sought by about 47 per cent of the patients with a TIA and 46 per cent of patients with a minor stroke within three hours of symptom onset.