Mini Stroke Symptoms (TIA)-Transient Ischemic Attack Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Brain Functions

What Is A TIA Stroke? (Mini Stroke)

A TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is also referred to as a "mini stroke." It is a stroke that lasts less than about 24 hours and then goes away. The TIA's normally don't do any brain damage that is permanent, however; it is still considered a stroke and can't be ignored. Within about 3 months, statistics show about 10 to 15% of people that had a TIA, will have a regular stroke.

So, although it is considered a mini stroke, you can see they are something to take very seriously and get to a physician immediately.

Brain Functions

Symptoms of a TIA (Mini Stroke)

There are symptoms of a TIA that must not be ignored. They are as follows: Please remember, that these symptoms are also the same as a stroke. Only difference is that a TIA lasts less than 1 day (24 hrs.)

• Sudden trouble seeing either in one eye or both
• Sudden numbness or weakness in your face and/or especially one side of the body
• Sudden confusion or unability to speak or think
• Sudden loss of balance or walking

If you have any of these symptoms, they suggest to call 911 or go to the hospital immediately. If the TIA is treated right away, recovery chances are greater

Stroke Test

• F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
• T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

How To Recognize A TIA (Mini-Stroke) Video

Mini Stroke Causes

Blood clots and blocked arteries are usually the culprits when it comes to having a TIA. Also, plaque build up in the blood vessel to the brain can cause a mini-stroke as well.

Remember, a TIA and Stroke are the same thing. The medical community says to seek medical attention immediately. There is no way for you to know when you are having a stroke if it will be a TIA or a regular stroke. Plus, a TIA can recur within a couple days.

Pictures of MRI of Brain

Mini Stroke Treatment Options

There are a few treatments they can try for a TIA. Your physician will let you know which is best in your case, however; I did find these treatment options that some recommend:

• Taking aspirin every day
• Controlling cholesterol levels
• Controlling blood pressure
• Unclogging the artery (if that's what caused the TIA)

*Please Note: I am not a physician or a nurse. I have had family that had TIAS. In fact, she had 2 mini strokes in 3 days. I thought I would pass some information along to you. I'll be honest, I never really knew what a TIA was exactly until a family member had them. Hope this information helped you on what to look for and when you should seek medical attention. Thanks for reading!

Mini-Stroke (TIA)

How To Survive A Stroke Tips

• Top Stroke Survival Tips Identified
  Few stroke patients arrive at a hospital quickly enough to get a clot-busting drug called tPA, a study shows.

Mini-Stroke Information

• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)-Topic Overview
  What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)? Some people call a transient ischemic attack (TIA) a mini - stroke, because the symptoms are like those of a stroke but do not last long.

Stroke Survivor Stories

• Stroke Survivor Stories | cdc.gov
  Stroke can happen to anyone at any time. Read these survivors’ stories to learn more about your risk for stroke and what to do if stroke happens.

Comments

Venkata ganesh kasturi on May 24, 2020:

Indeed useful information thank you

Maurice Glaude from Mobile, AL on June 21, 2019:

I've been closely watching for signs of this with my elderly mother who recently broke her hip.

Lisa (author) from Central USA on July 16, 2013:

Thank you- stepmother had 2 in 3 days. I have known several people close to me that has had Tia

Deb Welch on July 16, 2013:

Useful information - done well. Thanks. It is so important to take good care of oneself in hopes of not coming close to a TIA or Stroke.