ABOUT THE DISEASE
Transient ischemic attack is like a "mini stroke" caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain leading to a brief episode of neurologic dysfunction, with symptoms similar to those of a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs.
However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects often only last for a few minutes or hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms disappear within an hour. The signs and symptoms of TIA resemble those found early in a stroke and may include sudden onset of:
- • Weakness, numbness or paralysis in face, arm or leg, typically on one side of body
- • Slurred or garbled speech or difficulty understanding others
- • Blindness in one or both eyes or double vision
- • Dizziness or loss of balance or coordination
CAUSES
TIA may often develop due to buildup of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits called plaques (atherosclerosis) in an artery or one of its branches that supplies oxygen and nutrients to brain leading to decreased blood flow through the artery or development of a clot. A blood clot may also originate from elsewhere in the body, like heart, and may travel to brain.
Some of the predisposing factors are:-
- • Smoking
- • Hypertension
- • Obesity
- • Atrial fibrillation
- • Hypercholestrolemia
- • Diabetes
- • Regular excessive alcohol consumption
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical Evaluation.
- Blood tests
- ECG
- Carotid ultrasound, Brain MRI/CT scans, X rays
TREATMENT METHODS
Medication such as Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, Antihypertensives.
Lifestyle changes:
- • eating a healthy diet
- • exercising regularly
- • stopping smoking
- • cutting down on alcohol
Surgery like carotid endarterectomy or carotid angioplasty may be recommended in some cases after having a TIA.
You may also like to learn about:
Stroke
Hypertension
Hypercholesterolemia
Dizziness and vertigo
Obesity
Vision impairment/blindness