A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke causes short-term symptoms and can act as an early warning for a complete ischemic stroke. Seek immediate medical attention as symptoms can mimic other conditions, and long-term brain damage can be minimized if treated within three hours.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is more commonly known as a transient stroke or mini-stroke. In contrast to its deadlier counterpart, a full-blown ischemic stroke, a TIA generally causes only short-term symptoms. Although permanent brain damage can result from the onset of a TIA in some cases, such debilitating effects are rare. A TIA can, in fact, act as a very effective early warning device. It is estimated that up to a third of those people who experience a mini-stroke will go on to have a complete ischemic stroke, often within ninety days.
Mini strokes occur when a main artery is temporarily blocked by a blood clot. This clot prevents the brain from getting the blood flow and oxygen it needs to function properly. The duration of symptoms felt during a TIA is usually one to five minutes, although low-intensity symptoms can sometimes occur up to 24 hours after the initial attack.
The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are very similar to those of a debilitating ischemic stroke. The only differences are the duration of the attack and a greatly reduced risk of permanent brain damage and long-term disability. The onset of symptoms will be sudden and unexpected and may begin with numbness of the face and extremities, especially the arms and legs. Typically, all symptoms will be felt on only one side of the body.
A person struggling with a mini-stroke may seem confused and have trouble both articulating and understanding words. Another common symptom is dizziness, vertigo, or great difficulty walking. Sometimes the afflicted individual will have reduced vision, usually blurred or double vision in one or both eyes. The onset of a severe, painful headache, when there has been no history of such things in the past, can also be a telltale sign of a mini-stroke.
When symptoms of a mini-stroke occur, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. It is impossible for an untrained person to know whether the affected individual is experiencing a TIA or a complete ischemic stroke. These mini-strokes can often mimic the symptoms of other conditions, and only a qualified doctor can make a correct diagnosis. Seeking the nearest emergency room is essential in these situations. Medical knowledge has advanced to the point that, even in the case of ischemic stroke, long-term brain damage can be minimized if certain drugs are administered within three hours of the attack.
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