Transient ischemic attack, also popularly known as mini-stroke or transient stroke, is an alteration, similar to stroke, that causes an interruption in the passage of blood to an area of the brain, usually due to the formation of a clot.
However, unlike stroke, in this case, the problem lasts only a few minutes and goes away on its own, without leaving permanent sequelae.
Although it is less severe, this "mini-stroke" can be a sign that the body is producing clots easily and, therefore, it often appears a few months before a stroke, and it is recommended to take precautions to prevent this from happening. Some of the risk factors that can contribute to the transient ischemic attack are obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette use, alcoholism, physical inactivity or contraceptive use, for example.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of the transient ischemic attack are very similar to the first signs of a stroke and include:
- Paralysis and tingling on one side of the face; Weakness and tingling in the arm and leg on one side of the body; Difficulty speaking clearly; Blurred or double vision; Difficulty understanding simple indications; Sudden confusion; Sudden headache; Dizziness and loss of balance.
These symptoms are more intense for a few minutes, but disappear completely within about 1 hour after onset.
In any case, it is advisable to immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance, calling 192, to identify the problem, since these symptoms can also indicate a stroke, which needs to be treated as soon as possible.
See other stroke symptoms that can also happen during a mini-stroke.
Can you leave sequels?
In most cases, the transient ischemic attack does not leave any kind of permanent sequelae, such as difficulty in talking, walking or eating, for example, as the interruption of blood flow lasts for a short time and, therefore, severe brain lesions rarely form..
However, depending on the severity, duration and location of the affected brain, some people may experience some less severe sequelae than stroke.
What is the diagnosis
The diagnosis of an ischemic attack is made by the doctor by assessing the signs and symptoms presented.
In addition, tests, such as blood tests, ultrasound or computed tomography, for example, may also be ordered in order to exclude non-vascular changes, such as taking or hypoglycemia, as well as determining the cause, in order to prevent a new episode, since the ischemic attack is the main alarm signal for a cerebral infarction. These tests should be performed within the first 24 hours after the ischemic attack
How the treatment is done
It is generally not necessary to treat the transient ischemic attack, as the clot is removed naturally by the body, however, it is still advisable to go to the hospital to confirm the diagnosis and rule out the possibility of being a stroke.
After having this type of "mini-stroke" there is a greater risk of having a stroke and, therefore, the doctor may recommend some type of treatment to prevent it from happening, including:
- Anti-platelet remedies, such as Aspirin: decrease the ability of platelets to stick together, preventing clots, especially when a skin wound occurs; Anticoagulant drugs, such as Warfarin: affect some blood proteins, making them thinner and less likely to form clots that can lead to a stroke; Surgery: it is used when the carotid artery is very narrow and helps to dilate the vessel further, preventing the accumulation of fat on its walls to interrupt the passage of blood;
In addition, it is important that after the transient ischemic attack, adopt healthy habits that help to reduce the risk of clot formation such as not smoking, doing 30 minutes of physical exercise 3 times a week and having a balanced diet.
Find out other tips that help reduce the chances of having a stroke or stroke.
