Mini strokes, often referred to as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), warn the body of a possible impending stroke. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 40 percent of patients suffering from TIAs will have a full stroke. The association adds that most full strokes occur within two days of a TIA. Mini strokes often only last a few minutes and have symptoms that resemble a stroke, including one sided weakness or numbness, vision loss or difficulty speaking. More than one TIA can occur, and each episode can consist of different symptoms, depending on the portion of the brain affected, according to MayoClinic.com.
Medications
Medications control the underlying causes of a stroke. The type of medications used depends on the location, cause and category of the TIA. Anti-platelet drugs decrease blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots that may block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke. According to MayoClinic.com, the most frequently used anti-platelet medication is aspirin. Benefits of using aspirin include cost as well as access. MayoClinic.com states aspirin has the least amount of side effects when compared to other anti-platelet drugs. Additional anti-platelet medications include clopidogrel, dipyridamole and ticlopidine. Some anti-platelet medications are combination drugs with doses of aspirin as well as other antiplatelet drugs. Anticoagulant medications are also commonly used to treat TIAs. These drugs include warfarin and heparin. Anticoagulants affect the clotting proteins of the blood by stopping clots from forming or halting an existing clot from growing, according to the American Heart Association.
Carotid Endarterectomy
People who are at a high risk of a stroke often undergo a carotid endarterectomy. Located in the neck, the carotid artery supplies the head and neck with oxygenated blood. The narrower the carotid artery the higher the risk of a TIA or stroke. The Merck Manual considers a patient at high risk of a TIA or stroke if the artery is narrowed by 70 percent or more. A carotid endarterectomy removes fatty deposits from the carotid artery to decrease the risk of a stroke. During the procedure, surgeons make an incision above and below the blocked artery and remove fatty deposits and plaque from the artery.
Angioplasty
For people who are not healthy enough to undergo endarterectomy, angioplasty is an option, advises the Merck Manual. During this procedure, a small thin tube with an attached inflatable balloon is inserted into the blocked artery. Air fills the small balloon for several seconds to increase the size of the artery. A small wire mesh tube is threaded into the artery to keep the artery open. Advantages of angioplasty include use of local anesthesia, shorter operation time and less discomfort in comparison to endarterectomy, points out MayoClinic.com.
