Transient Ischemic Attacks & Strokes

Transient ischemic attacks look a lot like strokes. So much alike, in fact, that they’re known to some as a “mini-stroke.” In a transient ischemic attack, the symptoms are exactly like those of a stroke – they simply don’t last as long as a stroke does.

In a transient ischemic attack, the blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, often by a blood clot. The clot only lasts a short time, however, before it moves on. In stroke victims, the blood flow remains blocked and permanent damage may occur. By contrast, in a TIA victim, the blood clot typically lasts no longer than five minutes.

But TIAs are warnings. They signal to their victims a strong likelihood for a stroke in the future. While most strokes are not preceded by TIAs, one-third of those who have a TIA will experience a stroke later in life. In about half of the cases, the stroke occurs within a year after the TIA.

Transient Ischemic Attack Symptoms

The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are similar to those of a stroke and include:

· Numbness, a tingly feeling, or heaviness on one side of the body.

· Inability to move an arm, leg, or one side of the face.

· Double vision, blurriness, dimness.

· Inability to speak or slurred speech.

· Inability to understand others.

· Unsteadiness, dizziness, or clumsiness.

The big mistake that victims make while experiencing the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack or a stroke is that they wait for the symptoms to go away. Waiting can be deadly. If you think you are having a TIA, call 911 immediately. Because the symptoms are exactly the same, you may actually be having a stroke.

Transient Ischemic Attack Treatment

The first thing a doctor will do is perform tests to ensure that you are having a transient ischemic attack and not a stroke. Tests may include:

· MRI or CT scan to view pictures of your brain and blood vessels.

· Ultrasound to check blood flow.

· Echocardiogram to check your heart’s shape.

· Electrocardiogram to measure your heart’s rhythm.

Your doctor will also immediately put you on medications to improve blood flow and open up your blood vessels.


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©2010 Michael S. Weisberg, P.C., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission
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