A transient ischemic attack is a temporary interruption of blood flow and oxygen to the brain due to a blockage or blockage in a cerebral artery causing symptoms similar to those of a stroke, such as loss of strength, weakness or numbness in one part of the body, a closed mouth, or slurred speech, such as.
However, unlike a stroke, a transient ischemic attack lasts a few minutes and resolves on its own, leaving no permanent sequelae. But the drug is, as a sign, to produce a concrete body easily: hence it often occurs a few months before the stroke.
A transient ischemic attack, also known as a transient ischemic attack or transient ischemic attack, should be treated immediately in a hospital by a general practitioner or neurologist, depending on the cause. It is also important to keep the person hospitalized and observe them, since the risk of stroke increases in the 48 hours after a TIA.
The main symptoms of a transient ischemic attack include:
- Paralysis and numbness on one side of the face;
- But weakness and numbness in the arm and leg on one side of the body;
- The difficulty is clear;
- blurred vision or double vision;
- Difficulty understanding simple directions;
- sudden confusion;
- sudden headache;
- Dizziness and loss of balance.
And those moments are intense for a few minutes, but disappear completely after about 1 hour of starting.
In any case, it is best to immediately go to the hospital or call an ambulance to identify the problem, because these symptoms also indicate a stroke, which requires treatment as soon as possible. See other stroke symptoms that can also occur in a TIA.
In addition, after a transient ischemic attack, the risk of stroke is increased in the first 48 hours, which is why it is useful to seek medical treatment as soon as the symptoms of TIA appear, with the aim of prompt initiation. the most appropriate treatment.
Can TIA leave sequels?
In most cases, a transient ischemic attack does not leave any kind of permanent sequelae, such as difficulty speaking, walking or eating, for example, when the interruption of blood flow lasts for a short time, so lesions are rarely formed. the brain
However, depending on the severity, duration and area of the brain affected, some people may be left with some milder sequelae than the stroke.
The diagnosis of transient cerebral ischemia is made by a general physician or neurologist in the hospital, taking into account that, normally, the symptoms are no longer present when the person arrives at the location that lasts a few minutes. In this way, the doctor must evaluate the relationship between the symptoms and their onset and duration.
In addition, the physician should consider risk factors associated with TIA, such as coronary artery disease, a recent heart attack, and a family history of TIA, stroke, or clotting problems.
In addition to tests that are blood tests, ultrasound or computed tomography can be requested, for example, to exclude non-vascular changes, such as tumors or hypoglycemia, and determine the cause to avoid a new event, when there is an ischemic attack. the harbinger of the sea is a plague. These tests should be performed within the first 24 hours after an ischemic attack.
An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage or obstruction of a cerebral artery by blood clots, which causes an interruption of blood and oxygen to the brain, resulting in symptoms.
Some factors that may contribute to the development of a transient ischemic attack include:
- More common at age after 55 years;
- personal history of TIA or stroke;
- Family history of TIA, stroke, or clotting problems;
- Thrombosis of the great arteries;
- Embolism of the heart;
- atrial fibrillation;
- Vasculitis;
- High pressure;
- High cholesterol;
- Some great pain;
- Diabetes;
- Smoke;
- Immoderate and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Massage;
- A diet high in fat and sugar;
- They use contraceptive drugs.
Likewise, a personal history of TIA or stroke also increases the risk of having another recurrent TIA or stroke.
The treatment of a transient ischemic attack should be carried out under the guidance of a general physician or neurologist in the hospital, in order to reduce the risk of a stroke after a TIA or having another transient ischemic attack.
In this way, the main treatments that can be prescribed by a doctor include;
- Antiplatelet agents, such as acetylsalicylic acid or clopidogrel, prevent the appearance of blood clots;
- Blood thinners, such as warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or edoxaban, especially if the TIA is caused by atrial fibrillation or other heart problems;
- Steroids, such as rosuvastatin, lower cholesterol;
- Antihypertensive treatment of blood pressure;
- Antidiabetic, to reduce blood glucose levels and treat diabetes;
- In addition to the arteries, especially when the carotid artery is very narrow, since it helps to expand the vessel further, which prevents the accumulation of fat in the walls, so that the flow of blood is not interrupted;
- Stent angioplasty, to reduce blood flow in the carotid arteries.
In addition, after an ischemic attack, it is important to adopt healthy habits that help reduce the risk of clot formation, such as not smoking, doing 30 minutes of physical exercise 3 times a week, and a balanced diet. Learn other tips that can help reduce the chance of a stroke or heart attack.
