I. Q: What is a transient ischemic attack?
A: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) has similar symptoms to stroke, but this does not damage the brain.TIA occurs when an artery in the brain becomes embolized or occluded and then reopens. It can happen because a blood clot forms and then leaves with the blood flow or dissolves itself.
Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke and include
Weakness or numbness, including in the hands, tongue, face, arms or legs
Poor speech or complete inability to speak
Difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes
TIA is sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke” because the symptoms of TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but while a stroke can cause lasting symptoms, the symptoms of TIA disappear quickly.
Q: What is the difference between a TIA and a stroke?
A: TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain, but the symptoms are similar to a stroke. It can be difficult to tell if a person is having a TIA or a stroke.
C. Q: What causes a TIA?
A: A TIA occurs when the blood flow supplying part of the brain is blocked for a short period of time, just like a stroke. This is due to a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain, which then dissolves or leaves again with the blood flow. It can also occur when a small artery in the brain is affected by high blood pressure and becomes occluded.
Q: How can you tell if a TIA has occurred ?
A: The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke. There is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke, remember the word “FAST” (Figure 1). Each letter of the word represents a sign that you should look for (Figure 1).
Face: Does the face look uneven or droopy on one side?
Arm arms: Is there weakness or numbness in one or both arms? Does one arm droop if you keep both arms flat?
Speech: Is there difficulty speaking or does it sound strange?
Time: If you notice these symptoms of stroke (even if they disappear afterwards), you need to call the emergency number (120) quickly, and the sooner you treat them, the better your chances of recovery and the better your treatment will be.
In the hospital, doctors can check to find out whether the problem is in the brain, blood vessels or heart, which can help them choose the right treatment.
V. Q: What are the risks after a TIA?
A: People who have had a TIA have a high risk of stroke, especially in the first few days to weeks after a TIA, which is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately after a TIA.
Q: How is a TIA treated?
A: TIAs are not usually treated directly. Treatment is mainly directed at reducing the risk of stroke, and you should: take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Medications are especially important in preventing stroke.
These include
Antihypertensive medications
statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs
blood clot prevention medications, such as aspirin or blood thinners
Glucose-lowering medications to control blood sugar
Lifestyle changes.
Quit smoking
Exercise (check with your doctor beforehand to see if it is safe) at least 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week
Weight loss
Eat more fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, less meat, sugar, refined grains (such as white bread or rice)
Eat less salt (sodium)
Limit alcohol: women should not drink more than 1 drink per day, men should not drink more than 2 drinks per day
Another way to prevent strokes is to have neck surgery to reopen blocked arteries, but only for a small group of people.