1. Take Medications to Regulate the Blood
A mild stroke, also known as transient ischemic attack (TIA), is not life threatening. It does, however, require emergency management in order to lower your chances of having a full-blown stroke in the future. When you arrive at the hospital, your doctor will conduct a thorough health evaluation to determine the cause of your mini-stroke. You'll probably receive medications like antiplatelets and anticoagulants, which keep the blood from becoming too thick and prevent unwanted arterial clots.
If the exam indicates elevated blood pressure, elevated "bad" cholesterol or diabetes, your health team may also put you on antihypertensives, statins or insulin to regulate these acute conditions. A growing body of research indicates that people with controlled blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes have a lowered risk of a secondary stroke after experiencing a TIA.
2. Undergo Surgery to Repair the Vessels
TIAs are caused by blockage in a small artery, which restricts blood flow to a small portion of the brain. If you have had past TIAs or are at risk for a stroke, your doctor may recommend surgery to prevent a severe "brain attack" in the future. You may undergo angioplasty, during which your doctor will widen arterial pathways by inflating a small balloon in the vessel. Sometimes, he'll insert a stent into particularly stubborn vessels to prevent returning blockage.
Carotid endarterectomies are another form of surgical intervention for TIA or stroke patients. During this procedure, the doctor scrapes dangerous plaques off of an artery's interior, lowering your chance of vessel blockage due to the buildup of diseased tissue. Both of these procedures are considered routine and safe, though you may have a short hospital stay to ensure a proper recovery.
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
After a TIA, it probably won't take much to convince you to get rid of bad habits like drinking and smoking. Cigarettes can thicken the blood, and alcohol contributes to increased hypertension--both of which put you at greater risk for stroke.
In addition to losing your grip on these vices, you should discuss eating and exercise habits with your doctor or a nutritionist. Losing unwanted weight, managing your diabetes and controlling hypertension will help you keep strokes at bay. Try lowering your sodium and saturated fat intake, eating fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water in order to prevent blood pressure problems and hardening of the arteries.
Exercise is an essential part of maintaining your health and can lower your danger of future TIAs and strokes. The American Heart Association recommends elevating your heart rate for 30 minutes at least four or five times a week, which will improve your circulation, lower stress and prevent diabetes. If you're a workaholic who can't get to the gym every day, try to break up your exercise time into 5- or 10-minute intervals of walking, stair climbing or jogging from your car to the office.
