
Mini strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), are temporary disruptions in blood flow to the brain, usually lasting only a few minutes. They are caused by a blood clot or plaque buildup blocking blood vessels and depriving the brain of oxygen-rich blood. While mini strokes often do not cause permanent damage, they should be taken seriously as they can be a warning sign of an impending full-blown stroke. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mini strokes in elderly individuals is crucial for early intervention and prevention of potential long-term consequences.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Duration | A few minutes to 24 hours |
Severity | Mild to severe |
Symptoms | Numbness or weakness in the face, arms, or legs, difficulty speaking or understanding, visual disturbances, dizziness, loss of balance, severe headache, confusion, agitation, memory loss, nausea and vomiting |
Risk factors | High blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, age, family history of stroke, prior stroke or heart attack |
Treatment | Medication (e.g. aspirin, blood pressure medication, statins, blood thinners), catheter-based procedures, carotid endarterectomy |
Prevention | Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, managing chronic conditions |
What You'll Learn
What are the symptoms of a mini stroke?
A mini stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a type of stroke characterised by impaired blood circulation and a lack of oxygen supply to certain areas of the brain. While a mini stroke only lasts a few minutes and doesn't usually result in permanent damage, it can be followed by more severe strokes.
The symptoms of a mini stroke are the same as those of a stroke, but they only last for a few minutes or hours. The main symptoms can be remembered with the acronym FAST:
- Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
- Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms due to weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all, despite appearing awake. They may also have problems understanding what others are saying.
- Time – it's time to call an ambulance immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
Other possible symptoms of a mini stroke include:
- Complete paralysis of one side of the body.
- Sudden vision loss, blurred vision, or double vision.
- Problems with balance and coordination.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Confusion.
- Tingling sensations.
- Dizziness.
- Loss of consciousness for a short period of time.
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
- Attacks of fear.
- Decreased attention.
- Loss of orientation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
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What to do if you think someone is having a mini stroke
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or mini-strokes, are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Here is what you should do if you think someone is having a mini-stroke:
Act F.A.S.T: This acronym is a helpful tool to determine if someone is having a stroke or a mini-stroke. Ask the person to:*
- Face: Ask them to smile and check if one side of their face droops.
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward.
- Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase and listen for slurred or strange speech.
- Time: If you observe any of these warning signs, it's time to call emergency services.
- Call Emergency Services: Do not delay and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will subside, and do not avoid calling if the symptoms improve after a few minutes of rest. Mini-strokes are often precursors to full strokes, so time is of the essence.
- Do Not Drive to the Hospital: Paramedics are trained to provide faster and more specialised care. They can also assess the situation and determine if the person needs immediate emergency assistance.
- Do Not Give Aspirin: While aspirin can be beneficial for some strokes, it can worsen others. It is best to leave this decision to medical professionals.
- Do Not Give Food or Drink: Mini-strokes can cause difficulty with muscle control, including swallowing. Therefore, do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
- Write Down the Time: Note the time when symptoms first appear. This information is crucial for emergency medical personnel and will help determine the best course of treatment.
- Help the Person Lie Down: Assist the person in lying on their side with their head slightly elevated to promote blood flow.
- Loosen Restrictive Clothing: Remove or loosen any tight clothing to help the person breathe more easily. Avoid pulling or straining any weakened limbs.
- Check for Breathing and Pulse: If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If there is no pulse, immediately begin CPR.
Remember, mini-strokes are temporary, but they are a warning sign of a potential full stroke in the near future. Therefore, it is crucial to act quickly and seek medical attention to prevent further complications.
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How are mini strokes and strokes different?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly known as a "mini-stroke", is a temporary stroke caused by a disruption in the blood supply to the brain. While a stroke often results in permanent disabilities, a mini-stroke has only temporary side effects that last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.
A TIA is a medical emergency and a warning sign that a stroke is possible or even imminent. Up to 20% of people who have a TIA have a stroke within 90 days, and half of those strokes happen within the first two days after a TIA. The immediate signs and symptoms of a mini-stroke and a stroke are identical, so it is important to seek medical attention.
The main symptoms of a TIA can be remembered with the acronym FAST:
- Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
- Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them raised because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all, despite appearing to be awake; they may also have problems understanding what others are saying.
- Time – it's time to call emergency services if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
Mini-strokes and strokes happen for the same reasons, including:
- Formation of a clot in the brain (thrombosis).
- A fragment of a clot that formed elsewhere in the body that breaks free and travels through blood vessels until it gets stuck in the brain (thromboembolism).
- Small vessel blockage (lacunar stroke).
- Cryptogenic TIA (the word “cryptogenic” means “hidden origin,” so these are TIAs that happen with an unknown cause).
The main difference between a stroke and a mini-stroke is that a TIA stops on its own, whereas a stroke needs treatment to stop and reverse its effects. A stroke also leaves behind evidence on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, whereas a TIA does not.
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What causes mini strokes?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), commonly referred to as a mini-stroke, is typically caused by a blocked blood vessel. However, it is short-lived and does not cause permanent brain damage.
TIAs happen when one of the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain becomes blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body and travelled to the blood vessels supplying the brain. It can also be caused by pieces of fatty material, air bubbles, or, in rare cases, a small amount of bleeding in the brain known as a haemorrhage.
Blood clots that cause TIAs may form in areas where arteries have been narrowed or blocked over time by the build-up of fatty deposits known as plaques. This build-up, called atherosclerosis, can occur as people get older, and the process is dangerously accelerated by high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and excessive alcohol consumption.
A type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation can also cause a TIA by leading to the formation of blood clots that escape from the heart and become lodged in the blood vessels supplying the brain.
Other factors that increase the chances of having a TIA include age (over 55), ethnicity (people of South Asian, African, or Caribbean descent are at higher risk), medical history (diabetes, in particular, increases risk), weight and diet (being overweight or consuming an unhealthy diet high in fat and salt), and smoking or alcohol consumption.
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How can you prevent mini strokes?
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent mini-strokes, also known as transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). Here are some ways to reduce your risk:
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help prevent TIAs by keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check. Aim for a low-fat, high-fibre diet that includes at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, as well as wholegrains. Limit your salt intake to no more than 6 grams per day, as excess salt can increase your blood pressure. Avoid processed foods and foods high in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is crucial in maintaining a healthy weight, lowering cholesterol levels, and keeping blood pressure in a safe range. For most people, it is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as cycling or brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity such as running or swimming, every week. Additionally, strength exercises are recommended on at least two days per week.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking significantly increases the risk of TIAs by narrowing the arteries and making blood clots more likely to form. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of TIAs and improve your overall health.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat, all of which are risk factors for TIAs. To minimise these risks, it is recommended that men and women limit their alcohol intake to no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days.
Control Underlying Conditions
If you have underlying conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes, it is important to manage them effectively. This may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both. Work closely with your healthcare team to determine the best treatment plan for you.
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Frequently asked questions
A mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a temporary disruption in the blood flow to the brain, often caused by a blood clot or plaque buildup.
Symptoms of a mini-stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, difficulty speaking or understanding, visual disturbances, dizziness, loss of balance, and a severe headache. These symptoms typically last a few minutes but can persist for up to 24 hours.
If you suspect someone is having a mini-stroke, it is crucial to act quickly. Use the FAST acronym: check their Face for drooping, ask them to raise both Arms, check their Speech for slurring, and act in a Timely manner by calling emergency medical services.
To prevent mini-strokes, it is important to manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise can also help reduce the risk of mini-strokes.