Even a small warning stroke—known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a minor stroke—can leave a person at high risk for a full-blown stroke for many years afterward, a new study has found. According to the research, the risk remains significantly elevated for up to a decade, long after the short-term danger has passed.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, pooled data from 38 earlier studies involving over 171,000 people who had experienced a TIA or minor stroke. Researchers found that while much attention has been given to preventing strokes in the first three months after these events, the long-term risk has often been overlooked.
“We were surprised by how high the risk remains even years later,” said Faizan Khan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Calgary and one of the study’s authors. “Most clinics focus on helping patients only during the first 90 days. But our findings suggest that stroke prevention needs to continue for much longer.”
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked, often by a small blood clot. These events usually last just a few minutes, with symptoms disappearing quickly. Although TIAs don’t cause permanent brain damage, they are considered serious warning signs.
According to the American Stroke Association, symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of a stroke: weakness or numbness on one side of the body, slurred speech, vision problems, dizziness, or sudden severe headache.
In the short term, it’s well known that the risk of a second, more severe stroke is highest within the first 90 days. But this new analysis shows that the danger doesn’t stop there. The study found:
- A 6% increased risk of stroke within one year of a TIA or minor stroke
- A 13% increased risk within five years
- A 20% increased risk over ten years
The risk of ischemic stroke—the type caused by a clot—was especially concerning. Patients had an 18% higher chance of experiencing an ischemic stroke within ten years. The risk of dying from a stroke also increased slightly, by around 3% over the same period.
Dr. Michael Hill, the senior researcher and a professor of medicine at the University of Calgary, emphasized the importance of long-term stroke prevention. “This is not just a minor event you can forget about,” he said. “A TIA or minor stroke is like a flashing red warning light—it’s your brain saying something is wrong, and it needs to be fixed permanently.”
Currently, many healthcare systems focus on stroke prevention only during the first few months after a minor stroke or TIA. That approach may no longer be enough. Experts now say that long-term strategies are necessary to manage risk and prevent future strokes.
These strategies might include lifestyle changes, medication to lower blood pressure or cholesterol, better control of diabetes, and long-term use of blood thinners where appropriate.
Review and Analysis:
This study is a wake-up call for both patients and doctors. Minor strokes and TIAs are not harmless events; they are serious warnings that the body is at risk.
What makes this study stand out is the clear evidence that the danger persists for years, not just months. While the medical community has focused heavily on the critical 90-day window, this research makes the case for extended care and follow-up.
The study is also valuable because of its size. By combining data from nearly 40 different studies, it gives a clearer picture of the long-term stroke risk. Importantly, it shows that prevention shouldn’t stop after three months, especially for people with ongoing health issues such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
For patients, the key message is not to brush off a TIA or minor stroke just because symptoms went away quickly. These are early warnings—and taking action early and consistently could prevent a life-threatening stroke later on. Ongoing care, regular check-ups, and healthy habits are essential for long-term protection.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
The research findings can be found in JAMA.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
