Have you ever heard of the word “ministroke”? The proper term for this health emergency is transient ischemic attack (or simply TIA), and it occurs when blood flow is temporarily cut off to a part of the brain. Ministrokes usually resolve within a day and do not inflict lasting damage to the brain.
“Since it doesn’t cause permanent damage, it’s often ignored. But this is a big mistake. TIAs may signal a full-blown stroke ahead,” warns the American Stroke Association. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of TIA, never turn a blind eye and get urgent medical help.
Let’s investigate how a ministroke differs from a full-blown stroke, learn about the signs of TIA, and what you can do to prevent it.
TIA and stroke are two sides of the same coin. The only real difference between a ministroke and a full-blown stroke is time. During a ministroke, the blockage of the blood vessel in the brain is brief enough that it doesn’t cause lasting damage to the brain tissue. In a stroke, blood flow is cut off long enough for such damage to occur.
Due to this causal similarity, the signs and symptoms of TIA are identical to that of stroke. However, the duration of symptoms is different. In a ministroke, the neurological symptoms last anywhere from a few minutes and up to 24 hours. The symptoms and complications of a stroke last for a day or more and may never clear up.
The exact symptoms of a ministroke are very individual, it all depends on which part of the brain is depleted of blood supply. We list the common symptoms of both ministroke and stroke as per the CDC in the image below, and you can read more on the topic in our article titled What Can You Do to Save Yourself in Case of a Stroke?
All things considered, a ministroke should always be treated as a stroke because only a doctor can distinguish between the two and administer proper treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If the symptoms go away by the time the doctor arrives, describe your symptoms and ask for a more thorough evaluation.
Those diagnosed with a ministroke in the past should never disregard it because TIA can signal an imminent stroke. According to the CDC, “More than a third of people who have a TIA and don’t get treatment have a major stroke within 1 year. As many as 10% to 15% of people will have a major stroke within 3 months of a TIA.”
TIAs and stroke have the same root cause — a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain. This usually occurs as a result of:
A number of factors increase the risk of stroke and ministroke, and not all of them are under our control. Unfortunately, the risk of TIA and stroke increases with age, so we all have a chance to develop one of these conditions over time. Women are also more likely to experience a ministroke and stroke than men. Everyone with a family member who has had a stroke, no matter their age or gender, has a higher risk of developing TIA and stroke. Lastly, diabetes sufferers are more likely to experience TIA and stroke than non-diabetics.
On the bright side, there are many risk factors of ministroke you can eliminate from your life. These are:
Related Article: 11 Surprising Heart Disease Factors
Symptoms of ministroke and stroke tend to arise suddenly and unexpectedly, and you need to act fast and call an ambulance as soon as possible. The word “FAST” also helps you remember the things you should pay attention to if you suspect a stroke:
A patient who has experienced TIA will undergo a thorough medical examination with the goal to identify the root cause of the issue and prevent a future stroke. A neurological examination, brain imaging, and bloodwork will most likely be required to diagnose the issue.
The treatment will depend on the results of the medical examinations, but it nearly always involves changing your lifestyle to manage atherosclerosis and prevent a future ministroke and stroke. You can follow the same tips to prevent TIA:
1. Seek medical help to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol if you suffer from any of these conditions.
2. If you smoke, it’s necessary to stop. If someone in your household smokes, avoid secondhand smoke.
3. Consume antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoid foods high in trans fats and saturated fats. For more information, read this article: 10 of the Worst Foods for Your Heart Health.
4. Be physically active and exercise on a regular basis.
5. Limit your alcohol consumption as much as you can.
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