A ministroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA, is a clot in one or more blood vessels in the brain that causes symptoms of a stroke that can last for a few minutes to 24 hours. Symptoms include temporary numbness, weakness, problems with speech, confusion, vision problems and mood changes. A stroke occurs in one-third of patients who have had a TIA, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. Patients with blood disorders that increase the risk of blood-clot formation are at a higher risk.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health, states that patients with sickle cell anemia are at an increased risk of TIAs. Sickle cell anemia is a disorder in which red blood cells have a distorted shape that resemble a crescent, or sickle. This abnormal configuration increases the risk of TIAs because sickle-shaped cells cannot effectively pass through small, microscopic blood vessels, or capillaries. Over time, small capillaries in the brain can become clogged with sickled-shaped cells, which leads to a ministroke if the clot clears within 24 hours.
Polycythemia Vera
According to Medline Plus, polycythemia vera is a disorder of the bone marrow in which it produces too many red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. This rare disease is more common in men over 40 and its cause is unknown. Polycythemia vera increases the risk of a TIA because too many blood cells in small blood vessels can lead to a temporary clot. Depending on the location of the clogged capillary, a patient may experience focal symptoms such as numbness in the face, or more global symptoms if multiple blood vessels are affected, such as weakness, confusion and mood changes. A patient with polycythemia vera should adhere to the treatment plan of his physician to avoid experiencing frequent TIAs.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome
The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Strokes states that anitphospholipid syndrome, or APS, is a blood disorder that can cause ministrokes. APS is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the formation of blood clots in the arteries and veins. Clots can develop in one of the blood vessels in the brain and cause a TIA. If left untreated, APS can lead to a stroke. Patients should follow the recommended treatment plan of their physician, which involves taking blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or warfarin.
