A stroke happens when there is a blockage in the arteries that supply the brain with oxygen. Without enough blood and oxygen, cells in the brain can die and cause a stroke. In some cases a stroke may be your only warning of heart disease. However, in some cases you may have a TIA (transient ischemic attack) first.
Your heart and brain need to receive a certain amount of blood and oxygen in order to function. If you participate in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, the arteries that supply your brain can become clogged or blocked. They can develop a buildup of plaque which causes the arteries to narrow and harden. This blockage can exist for years without ever producing any symptoms. However, once the blockage becomes severe enough and the brain does not receive the blood and oxygen it needs, cells are damaged and a stroke can occur.
Significance
According to the American Heart Association, "Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke." Having one or more TIAs means you are at a greater risk for stroke. However, unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain. They occur when there is only a brief interruption of blood flow to the brain and they do require medical attention. Since the symptoms of a TIA mimic those of a stroke, a complete medical evaluation may be the only way to tell which one you have had.
Features
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that TIAs tend to last for just a few minutes. They can be so brief and mild that you and others around you may be unaware you have had one. Be on the lookout for numbness in the face, arms or legs (especially if it is on one side of the body), confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding, changes in vision, uncoordinated movements and trouble walking and maintaining balance. TIA symptoms usually disappear within 24 hours after the attack.
Prevention/Solution
Once you have had a TIA, your doctor will want to run specific tests to determine your risk of a stroke. He can check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and order scans to check for blockages in the arteries. If you are at risk, medications and lifestyle changes will be recommended to prevent further TIAs and reduce your risk of a stroke. If the blockage is severe enough, surgery to open the artery can be performed.
Considerations
The National Stroke Association states that you need to take TIAs seriously because, "More than one-third of all people who experience a TIA will go on to have an actual stroke." A small percentage will have a stroke within days or months of their TIA. A larger percentage will experience a stroke within one to two years after their first TIA. This is important because you may have a tendency to put off seeking treatment, believing that your symptoms were not serious enough to warrant medical attention.
