Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or Mini StrokeTIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms but do not last as long and result in no permanent brain injury. TIAs should be considered a warning of the likelihood of a coming stroke. Show
OverviewWhat is a stroke?A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or when there is some type of blockage that cuts off blood supply (ischemic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they die. What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke,” starts like a stroke but only lasts from several minutes up to 24 hours. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not kill the brain cells, so there is no lasting damage to the brain. However, when a TIA begins, there is no way to tell if a person is having a stroke or a TIA. Approximately 240,000 adults in the United States experiences a TIA each year. At least another 690,000 adults experience an ischemic stroke. Approximately 15 percent of all patients who have experienced a stroke have had a previous TIA. Patients with TIAs are at a particularly increased risk of having a stroke within the following days to weeks. TIAs should be considered warning signs of potential future strokes. What are the risk factors for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke?Some factors cannot be modified (such as age), while others can (smoking). Risks of TIA and stroke include:
Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke?The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and a stroke do not differ. Symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include:
If stroke or TIA symptoms appear, it is very important to go to the ER to get immediate medical help, even if symptoms resolve! Diagnosis and TestsHow are transient ischemic attacks diagnosed?Patients who experience a TIA should be seen by medical providers immediately. Evaluation includes examination by a doctor and diagnostic testing. The doctor will do some simple quick checks to test your vision, muscle strength, and ability to think and speak. Diagnostic testing consists of either a computed tomogram (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and carotid arteries to determine the possible cause of the TIA. Other tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the heart, heart rate, body temperature, sleep study (to look for sleep apnea) and blood work (to look for risk factors for stroke – see above -- that can be treated). Management and TreatmentAcute Stroke TreatmentsHow are transient ischemic attacks treated?Because transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are considered to be “mini strokes,” the general approach to treating and preventing TIAs is the same as that used to treat and prevent strokes. Drug treatments based on specific medical findings include:
If atherosclerosis (fatty deposits/“plaques”) are found in the carotid arteries -- the artery that supplies blood to the brain, carotid surgery may be recommended. One of two surgical approaches might be recommended:
PreventionHow can the risk of future transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or stroke be decreased?To reduce the risk of a future TIAs or strokes, follow these tips:
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enews More health news + infoWhat are the symptoms of a rightSymptoms. Muscle weakness on the left side of the body.. Vision problems, including problems seeing from the left side of each eye.. Hearing problems.. Sensory changes on the left side of the body.. Problems with depth perception or directions.. Problems with balance.. A feeling of spinning when a person is still.. Memory problems.. What clinical manifestations does the nurse recognize when a patient has had a right hemispheric stroke?The effects of a right hemisphere stroke may include: Left-sided weakness or paralysis and sensory impairment. Denial of paralysis or impairment and reduced insight into the problems created by the stroke (this is called "left neglect") Visual problems, including an inability to see the left visual field of each eye.
What is a rightA stroke can have many different effects, depending on which side of the brain is affected. A right-sided stroke can cause left-sided weakness, left-sided sensory loss, loss of vision from the left side of both eyes, personality changes, neglect of the left side of the body, and lack of recognition of the stroke.
What is the difference between a left and rightLeft-sided strokes might be referred more frequently because they lead to clear symptoms, such as aphasia, whereas right-sided strokes may lead to less explicit symptoms, such as hemineglect or spatial disorientation.
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