A Transient Ischemic Attack often called a “mini-stroke” is a temporary (transient) lack of blood flow to part of your brain.

Often shortened to TIAs, Transient Ischemic Attack can be hard to distinguish from an actual stroke and may serve both as a warning sign for future strokes and a chance to prevent it.

Symptoms of TIAs:

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) usually lasts only a few minutes, with most symptoms resolving within an hour. In rare cases, symptoms may persist for up to 24 hours. These symptoms occur suddenly and may include :

1. Weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, typically on one side of the body.
2. Slurred speech or trouble understanding others.
3. Blindness in one or both eyes or double vision.
4. Dizziness or loss of balance or coordination.

One could also experience more than one TIA and the symptoms might be similar or different depending on the area of the brain involved.

Causes of TIAs:

The cause of a Transient Ischemic Attack TIA is similar to that of an ischemic stroke. It often involves the formation of a blood clot in the brain or a clot fragment that originates elsewhere in the body. This fragment can break loose and travel through the bloodstream until it becomes lodged in a blood vessel in the brain.

Risk Factors :

Risk Factors You Can Control -

It is always possible to control or treat the risk factors of a TIA and a stroke and that includes lifestyle choices such as :

1)    Don’t smoke - Stopping smoking reduces your risk of a TIA or a stroke.

2)    Limit cholesterol and fat: Cutting back on cholesterol and fat, especially saturated fat and trans fat.

3)    Limit Sodium- Avoid salty food if you have high pressure.

4)    Exercise Regularly- In case of high blood pressure, regular exercise can help lower blood pressure without medicine.

5)    Eat plenty of Fruits and Vegetables- These foods contain nutrients such as potassium, folate and antioxidants, which may protect against TIA or a stroke.

6)    Control Diabetes- You can manage high blood pressure with diet, exercise, weight control and necessary medicine.

Risk Factors You Can’t Control -

1)    Genetics - Your risk may be higher if one or more family members have had a TIA or a stroke.

2)    Age - Your risk increases as you get older, especially after the age of 55

3)    Sex - Men have a slightly higher risk of TIA or strokes.

4)    Prior Transient Ischemic Attack - If you’ve had one or more TIA, you are more likely to have a stroke.

5)    Sickle Cell Disease - Stroke is a frequent complication of sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anaemia. Sickle-shaped blood cells carry less oxygen and also tend to get stuck in artery walls, affecting blood flow to the brain.  

When to see a Doctor?

If you suspect you're experiencing a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or have had one, seek medical attention immediately. TIAs often precede a stroke by hours or days, and prompt evaluation allows healthcare professionals to identify and address treatable conditions. Timely treatment of these conditions may help prevent a full-blown stroke.

For more information, visit https://www.neurocareassam.com, call +91 8402068720, or email assamneurocare@gmail.com.