A mini-stroke, also known a transient ischemic attack or TIA, occurs when a clot or small piece of plaque interrupts the blood flow in the brain. Although the symptoms of a TIA, are less severe than a major stroke, and not likely to cause permanent deficits, immediate treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and reduce the likelihood of a second, more severe stroke. According to a study reported in "Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association," almost two-thirds of mini-stroke patients did not understand the cause of their symptoms, and less than 50 percent sought immediate medical care.
Step 1
Learn to recognize the signs of stroke. Stroke symptoms usually appear without warning and vary depending upon what part of the brain is affected. However, garbled speech, sudden dizziness, a loss of vision, or numbness or paralysis on one side of the body are warning signs that require immediate medical intervention, explains the Mayo Clinic.
Step 2
Call 911, or your local ambulance service. A mini-stroke is a medical emergency and fears about a misdiagnosis should not delay a call for help. Drugs to dissolve an existing clot are only affective if dispensed within the first few hours of the stroke's occurrence. Surgery may be performed to open a narrowed or blocked artery and prevent another, potentially more serious stroke.
Step 3
Follow your doctor's instructions. Depending upon the cause of the TIA, medications may be prescribed to treat high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The blood thinner Coumadin or a daily aspirin are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming.
Step 4
Re-evaluate lifestyle choices. Regardless of age or physical health, smokers have a higher risk of stroke than non-smokers. A regular exercise program helps to keep arteries open, according to the Stanford School of Medicine.
Step 5
Eat a healthy diet. Adequate servings of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of stroke and help to maintain an optimum body weight. Moderate weight loss may lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, notes MayoClinic.com.
Tips and Warnings
- Write a list of important contact numbers and post them in a visible place in your home. Compile a list of medications you are currently taking, and keep a copy of the list in your purse or wallet. Choose and ask permission of a trusted friend or family member to make medical decisions for you if the time comes when you cannot answer for yourself.
- Although the symptoms of a mini-stroke usually subside within an hour, it is possible that a more serious stroke will occur in the following 24 hours.
Things You'll Need
- Emergency contact numbers
