Uncontrollable Risk Factor - Secondary Stroke

Secondary (Recurrent) Risk

After experiencing a stroke, survivors and their families usually concentrate their efforts on rehabilitation and recovery. However, preventing another (or recurring) stroke from happening is also a critical consideration. Of the estimated 780,000 Americans who experience a stroke each year, 5 to 14 percent will have an additional stroke within one year. Within the next five years, stroke will recur in 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men.

Stroke prevention is also important to those who have experienced transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or mini-strokes). TIAs are brief episodes of stroke-like symptoms that can last from a few minutes to 24 hours, but usually cause no permanent damage or disability. TIAs are serious warning signs of an impending stroke. Up to 35 percent of people who experience a TIA are expected to have a stroke. However, many recurrent strokes and TIAs can be prevented through lifestyle changes, surgery, medication, or a combination of all three methods.