A stroke occurs when your brain does not get the blood and oxygen it needs to function properly. This can happen when an artery in the brain ruptures due to an aneurysm or accident, or if an artery that supplies your brain becomes blocked. In some cases, however, you might experience a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. This is a warning that you are at risk for stroke. Your best defense is learning all you can about your stroke risk after a TIA and how to prevent both of them.
Identification
A TIA is sometimes called a mini stroke, and symptoms can be similar to stroke. These symptoms occur because an artery that supplies your brain with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. Symptoms can last for a brief moment or continue for up to 24 hours. The difference is that, with a TIA, there is usually no permanent damage because the blood flow is only interrupted temporarily. As blood flow is restored, the symptoms disappear. If you have a stroke, blood flow is more severely restricted for a longer period causing brain cells to die. According to the National Stroke Association, up to 40 percent of people who have a TIA will also have a stroke. In many cases, the stroke happens within two days of the TIA.
Warning
A TIA is a warning you that you are at high risk for artery blockage. TIAs can be so brief that they are hard to recognize. Recognizable symptoms can mimic those of a stroke. The American Stroke Association says to watch for abrupt paralysis on one side of the body or face, sudden confusion speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, dizziness, loss of balance or muscle coordination and a severe headache. Ask the person to smile and see if both sides of the mouth go up or if one side droops. See if he is able to raise both arms and can answer simple questions. If you recognize these warning signs, seek immediate medical attention. Chances of recovery are better if medical care is received within three hours of symptom onset.
Benefits of Prompt Treatment
A TIA that is diagnosed and treated promptly can often prevent stroke, says the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This is because a TIA is caused by the same conditions that cause a stroke. These conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, diabetes, being sedentary, obesity and drinking too much alcohol. Along with recommending lifestyle changes, your physician might prescribe medications or surgery to help lower your risk even more.
Prevention/Solution
The American College of Physicians suggests that some simple lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the chances of having a stroke even if you have risk factors such as having already had a TIA. These changes include knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and keeping them low, getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week, eating less salt, fat and cholesterol and taking steps to manage your weight and stress levels. Since each patient's situation is different, there is no way to predict by what percentage you can reduce your risk. Even small healthy changes, however, can make a big difference.
Considerations
There are certain risk factors that increase your chances of having a stroke following TIA. This includes being older than the age of 55. Women are more prone then men to have a stroke and they are more likely to die from it as well. If you are African American or have a family history of TIAs or stroke, your risk rises. There are also congenital heart conditions that can raise your risk. You can still lower your chances of having a TIA or stroke, however, by making the right lifestyle choices.
