#StrokeAwareness

A growing body of new research is turning long-held assumptions about “mini-strokes” upside down, revealing that the effects of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) may linger far longer than previously thought. Once regarded as brief episodes with symptoms that disappear within a day, these transient strokes are now understood to pose significant long-term health risks—including persistent fatigue, cognitive decline, and an elevated risk of subsequent strokes and cardiovascular events. As experts warn against taking a TIA lightly, the implications for Thai patients and the healthcare system are profound, demanding heightened awareness, rapid intervention, and ongoing support.

Medical experts are sounding the alarm about lifestyle habits that make strokes far more likely—a message urgently relevant to the Thai public, given the rising incidence of stroke across the Kingdom. According to a recent article published by HuffPost, leading stroke doctors have shared seven crucial pitfalls to avoid, each linked to preventable behaviors that stealthily put millions at risk of permanent disability or even death (HuffPost). As Thailand faces changing dietary norms, growing urbanization, and an aging population, the lessons from this research are more pertinent than ever for local readers.

As stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, health experts are urging the public to recognize its three most critical and visible symptoms: facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech disturbances. With new research highlighting the importance of swift action, specialists warn that identifying these signs and seeking immediate medical help can mean the difference between survival, permanent disability, or even death (Times of India).

In Thailand, stroke is a particularly urgent health concern. Not only is it the country’s leading cause of death among both men and women, but it also leaves tens of thousands with lasting disabilities every year (PMC Stroke Epidemiology in Thailand). Despite improvements in healthcare, recent epidemiological data show that the national stroke mortality has continued to rise over the past several years. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health, the mortality rate for stroke in Thailand increased from 20.8 to 30.7 per 100,000 people between 2008 and 2012—a concerning trend that underscores the need for public awareness (PMC Stroke Epidemiology in Thailand).