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A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a vessel in the brain, often called a mini stroke. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, dizziness, sudden vision loss, and difficulty communicating. Patients at risk should see a doctor immediately and make lifestyle changes to prevent a disabling stroke. Diagnosis includes a complete history, CT or MRI, and ultrasonography. Treatment includes blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and surgery if necessary. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, following a low-fat diet, exercising, and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure can help prevent future illnesses.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode in which there is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a vessel in the brain. A TIA is often called a mini stroke, as the symptoms are similar to those of a patient suffering from a stroke. TIA episodes serve as an indicator that the patient is at risk for a more serious stroke. Anyone with symptoms of a transient ischemic attack should see a doctor right away.
When taken as a warning, the transient ischemic attack should encourage the patient to make lifestyle changes that can prevent a disabling stroke. Symptoms experienced during a TIA can last from five minutes to 24 hours, but most commonly last about an hour. Since these episodes are short-lived, the patient does not suffer any permanent brain damage and all symptoms should disappear.
Transient ischemic attack symptoms can come on suddenly and can include numbness and tingling on the left or right side of the body, as well as muscle weakness and dizziness. The patient may also experience sudden vision loss or have difficulty communicating. These symptoms are varied and depend on the location of the vessel in the brain that has been blocked.
Blood circulates to the brain through the left and right carotid arteries, as well as the vertebral arteries. In patients suffering from the disease atherosclerosis, the carotid arteries are susceptible to the formation of plaque along the internal walls. Plaque can narrow the opening of the arteries. If pieces of plaque break off and travel around the brain, the patient may experience a transient ischemic attack.
Patients with heart disease or high blood pressure can develop a blood clot in the heart which can then travel to the brain and cause a TIA. Because the TIA is temporary, the blood clot can quickly dissolve or flow through the vessel to allow blood flow to the brain to be restored. It is important for your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your transient ischemic attack and develop a treatment plan.
Diagnosis is usually made by taking a complete history of the patient and a description of the symptoms. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) would give the doctor a complete view of the brain. Ultrasonography of the carotid arteries would indicate a buildup of plaque. Your doctor should also closely monitor you for heart disease and high blood pressure.
Treatment would most likely include blood thinners, such as aspirin, which prevent blood platelets from clotting. Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be prescribed if the patient has atherosclerosis. If necessary, the carotid arteries may be scraped surgically to remove any plaque. Any underlying heart disease should be treated.
Your doctor may recommend a number of lifestyle changes that can help prevent a serious stroke. Patients who smoke cigarettes are advised to stop smoking. Following a low-fat diet, developing an exercise plan, and regularly monitoring both cholesterol and blood pressure are positive changes that could help the patient prevent future illnesses.
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