Mini stroke or transient ischaemic attack: Warning signs and how to prevent stroke

A transient ischaemic attack or a mini stroke is temporary in nature, does not cause permanent damage, and lasts for only a few minutes. However, the mini stroke can be a warning sign for a stroke as the occurrence of a stroke following a mini stroke is seen in 1 out of 3 people.

Going with the facts and figures, mini strokes can be a warning sign and a chance to prevent the occurrence of a stroke.

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Just like every complication related to heart, mini stroke has its own set of symptoms which if observed carefully, one can take care and prevent the occurrence of a stroke:

The symptoms of a mini stroke last only for up to a few minutes. Within a short span of time, people may notice sudden changes like:

• Weakness, numbness, and paralysis. These signs are mostly seen in the face, arm or leg and mostly on one side of the body.
• Garbled speech which will be difficult to understand
• Double vision; sometimes people may also experience blindness in one or both the eyes
• Loss of balance and coordination or vertigo

One can experience any one of the symptoms during a mini stroke. People can also experience more than one symptom.

The reason why a transient ischaemic attack occurs is the same as that of a stroke.

A build-up of cholesterol deposits in the artery that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the brain decreases the flow of the blood. This leads to the formation of a clot which then causes a ministroke. In a ministroke, the affected brain cells begin to work normally after the blood supply is restored.

In a ministroke there is a small blockage in the blood supply to the brain and there is no permanent damage whereas in a stroke, the blood supply is cut off for a longer duration; the duration is long enough to damage the brain cells.

Experts say the risk of having a stroke is high 48 hours after a ministroke. Every 1 in 3 people have a stroke following a transient ischaemic attack.

There are several ways to prevent the occurrence of transient ischaemic attack:

• Quit smoking
• Control the consumption of cholesterol and fat
• Include more seasonal fruits and vegetables in diet
• Limit sodium intake
• Exercise regularly or if exercise is not possible increase the type and nature of physical activity you are doing
• Cut down on alcohol consumption
• Watch your weight
• Manage diabetes