Know the signs and symptoms of a mini-stroke vs a regular stroke

By The Opinionated Jan 7, 2022, 12:39 IST

A stroke can be life-changing for the person who suffers from it and their entire family. This unfortunate occurrence can cause premature death and disability for the rest of one's life.

 

When we ignore the warning signs, we can become victims of this life-changing event.

The Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke is one such symptom.

 

According to Dr. Mohana Rao, the risk of stroke in the first three months after a TIA has been estimated to be 2-17 percent. Without treatment, about 33% of people who have had a TIA will have a major stroke within a year.

 

Dr. Mohana Rao Patibandla is a top neurosurgeon in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, with extensive experience and expertise in all aspects of neurosurgery.

 

He has international training and work experience under his belt. He has performed hundreds of complex and complex surgeries with great success throughout his professional career.

 

Dr. Rao's Hospital is the best neurology hospital in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, specializing in spine surgery. Health platforms Clinicspots, practo etc also ranks Dr. Mohana Rao among the top 10 neurosurgeons in Guntur.


TIA cause

 

When blood flow to the brain is interrupted for a short period (less than fives minutes), it induces a transient neurological sign similar to that of a stroke, but it is quickly reversible. This is referred to as TIA.

 

"Because it is a small type of a full-blown stroke, TIA is also known as a mini-stroke," says Dr. Mohana Rao, Guntur's best neurosurgeon. It only causes minor damage, but it necessitates immediate medical attention.

 

Difference from stroke

 

When a blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain, oxygen deprivation occurs, resulting in TIA.

 

A temporary clog is usually moved onwards and broken down in a TIA. As a result, the normal blood flow to the brain resumes quickly.

 

A TIA's symptoms usually go away after an hour (usually less than 15 minutes), but they can last up to 24 hours in some cases. On the other hand, an ischemic stroke causes the brain to be oxygen-depleted for a more extended period.

 

This causes more harm and has long-term consequences that can be fatal, resulting in permanent disability or death.

 

Women have a higher risk of stroke/TIA than men, although some chances are beyond our control, such as age and family history.

 

Obesity, high blood pressure, carotid artery condition, high cholesterol, diabetes, and pre-existing heart conditions have all increased risk of stroke/TIA.

 

Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, high-cholesterol foods, and the use of drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin can all increase the risk.

 

Symptoms and warning signs

 

We must make an effort to recall the term "FAST" (which denotes Face, Arms, Speech, Time). These are most commonly seen in people who have a TIA.

 

According to Dr. Mohana Rao, these are some of them:

 

  • When the eyes or mouth droop to one side, this is known as facial droop. It's also possible that you'll have difficulty smiling.

  • Slurred, garbled, or difficult-to-understand speech are examples of speech problems. It may also be challenging to come up with the right words.

  • Weakness or numbness of the limbs may occur. It's possible that lifting or holding up the arms will be difficult.

  • Balance and coordination issues, blindness or transient blurring of vision, inability to move one side of the body, dizziness, confusion and difficulty understanding others are all possible symptoms.

  • Changes in your way of life

 

After learning about TIA, it's critical to live a healthier lifestyle and take preventive measures to lower a TIA or stroke risk.

 

These include:

 

  • Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco-related secondhand smoke.

  • Many fresh fruits and vegetables are included in a healthy and nutritious diet.

  • Keeping an eye on excessive salt and fat consumption

  • Regular exercise is essential.

  • Avoiding the use of recreational drugs.

  • Maintaining a healthy body weight.

  • For heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions, follow the recommended/timely treatment plan.

 

Management and Diagnosis

 

According to Dr. Mohana Rao, an excellent neurosurgeon from Guntur, thorough neurological tests, physical examination, and various imaging techniques are used to diagnose (MRI, Angiography, etc.).

 

Depending on the severity of the TIA, anti-cholesterol medications, blood thinners, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical procedures may be recommended.

 

Although the symptoms of a TIA stroke may fade, medical assistance should be sought as soon as possible.

 

It's essential to keep in mind that there's a lot of uncertainty about whether or not the blood flow will return on its own. Because the symptoms of a TIA and a stroke are so similar, it's impossible to tell which is which.

 

Furthermore, the Covid-19 can cause blood clots in the vessels supplying the brain in the current pandemic situation. This can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke.