Mini-stroke - WatsonsHealth

MINISTROKE

A mini-stroke is also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It ensues when a part of the brain experiences a momentary lack of blood flow. This further causes stroke-like signs and symptoms that resolve within 24 hours. A TIA doesn’t cause brain damage. Symptoms of a TIA and a stroke are nearly the same.

Symptoms

It is not often easy to determine whether there is TIA or not, but some symptoms may point out a mini-stroke. The symptoms could also be temporary.

The most common symptoms are the following:

  • Vision changes
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • Confusion
  • Problems in balance and gait
  • Tingling
  • An altered level of consciousness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Taste disturbances
  • Smell disturbances
  • Weakness or numbness on one side of the body or face
  • Temporary blindness in one eye

Diagnosis

A TIA doesn’t lead to lasting brain injury, but you should still undergo a medical examination when you have symptoms of a TIA. That’s because the signs and symptoms are same to the symptoms of a stroke and a medical evaluation can distinguish one from the other.

The one way to know whether there is TIA and a stroke is through a CT scan or an MRI.

Your doctor may also obtain an ECG and chest X-ray.

 

Medications/Treatment

There are many treatment options available. Treatment is focused towards restoring blood flow to the brain. It additionally requires maintenance medicines to prevent future TIAs or strokes.

Treatments may include the following:

  • Antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel, and aspirin/dipyridamole
  • Anticoagulants such as warfarin, rivaroxaban and apixaban
  • Minimally invasive carotid intervention
  • Surgery
  • Lifestyle changes

 

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