Early Mini Stroke Defined
A mini stroke is also known as a transient ischemic attack, or a TIA. Experiencing a TIA indicates that you are at risk for a much larger, more serious stroke; if you realize that the occurrence of TIA symptoms should be treated as a warning, you can avoid a repeat TIA or even mitigate the risk of a more serious stroke. Effects from a TIA are short-lived and temporary; but it is very important for you to seek immediate medical attention if you experience one--the risk of brain damage after a TIA is slight, but the chance of brain damage from a larger stroke is much higher.
Symptoms
The cause of a TIA is a blood clot in an artery, depriving a part of the brain of the blood it requires. This results in symptoms that include sudden, severe headache (as in a stroke), double vision, dizziness, weakness and trouble walking. If you ignore these symptoms, you are at risk of suffering a larger, more significant stroke within a year, according to the American Heart Association.
Symptoms, Continued
Additional symptoms of TIA include sudden speech problems, such as slurred speech, confusion and forgetfulness. Another TIA symptom is sudden numbness in the face, leg or arm. This weakness may only be on one side of the body.
Symptom Significance
While a TIA is not a good sign, it is a way the body warns you that you are at increased risk of a larger stroke. While this more serious stroke won't happen immediately, it is likely to happen, usually within a year of the TIA's occurrence; you are most at risk of a stroke within a few days to a few weeks after experiencing a TIA. If you receive medical attention after the first TIA, you will reduce your risk of a more serious stroke and can avoid the permanent effects of stroke, such as loss of speech and paralysis. More importantly, you will reduce the risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Medical Intervention
Now that your body has given you a warning of your risk for stroke, you can discuss your symptoms with your doctor and undergo testing (including blood work). If your test results indicate that you suffer from risk factors that could contribute to a larger stroke, your doctor may prescribe warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin to prevent blood clots; drugs that prevent platelets from clumping together, such as Plavix or Ticlid, may also be recommended. Your doctor will prescribe medications to reduce cholesterol and/or blood pressure, and advise a change in diet that includes adding fresh fruits and vegetables, decreasing fat intake, and avoiding food products with hydrogenated oils, such as margarine, fast food, fried and processed foods. If you smoke, you should stop. It is also advisable to institute a program of regular exercise and start drinking more water.
Tags: more serious, more serious stroke, serious stroke, brain damage, larger stroke