Transient ischemic attack, in other words, “minor stroke”, is a clinical situation which develops due to the regional decrease in blood flow to the brain and the brain tissue’s inability to nourish.
Generally, brain embolism is the cause of reduced blood flow in the brain. Blood clots, and even it is rare, the fat deposits or air bubbles in the bloodstream are among the factors which cause blockage. Blood clots occur in areas where the blood vessels are narrowed and covered with fat deposits. If you have a heart disease like atrial fibrillation, blood clots may be formed in the heart and then move to the brain.
In some instances, small blood vessel diseases which involve harm to the small-sized blood vessels in the brain may cause a transient ischemic attack. Piling up in the blood vessels, the deposits cause thickening of the blood vessel and if these deposits completely block the vessel, a stroke or a transient ischemic attack happens. Transient ischemic attack can also rarely happen due to brain hemorrhage.
What are the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack?
- Numbness and loss of strength in one half of the face
- Numbness, weakness and immobility in arms and legs
- Impairment in speech and understanding
- Blurred vision, vision loss
- Severe dizziness
- Balance disorder
- Loss of consciousness
The symptoms of stroke and transient ischemic attack are the same. On the other hand, all symptoms disappear after less than 24 hours in case of transient ischemic attack. Thus, the brain’s nutrition starts again and continues without any damage to the brain tissue occurs. The brain injury and symptoms are permanent in stroke and temporary in transient ischemic attack.
Transient Ischemic Attack May Be the Precursor of Stroke
It has been found that the risk of having a stroke after a transient ischemic attack increases by 5-10%. Especially for people with cardiovascular diseases, transient ischemic attack may be the precursor of a stroke. The risk of having a stroke is higher in the days and weeks which follow the transient ischemic attack. If you think that you or someone related to you had a transient ischemic attack, you should consult a hospital.
What are the Risk Factors of Transient Ischemic Attack?
- Age
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Heart Rhythm Disorders (Atrial Fibrillation)
Prevention of Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack
80% of the strokes which may develop after a transient ischemic attack can be prevented. So how can we prevent a stroke after a transient ischemic attack?
- Detection of stroke risk factors
- Regulation of blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes medications, if there are any
- Quitting smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight
- Reducing salt consumption
- Having a diet with balanced and calculated calories
- Reducing or completely giving up the alcohol consumption
