What is mini stroke?Image Credit source: Getty Images
Difficulty in speaking for some time, sudden weakness in arms and legs or blurred vision are the symptoms of mini stroke. After some time everything becomes normal. If someone faces such a problem then he should not make the mistake of ignoring it. Experts say that most people mistake it for fatigue, weakness or a normal problem. It is said that this is a mini stroke which is called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). This is a serious warning of major stroke in future.
Neurology experts say that in TIA, blood flow to some part of the brain decreases for some time. Although these symptoms may resolve within a few minutes or an hour, it does not mean that the danger has gone away. If timely treatment is not done, a major stroke may occur in the coming days or months.
What is Mini Stroke (TIA)?
Dr. Atam Preet Singh (Senior Director and Head of Department, Neurology, Sharda Care-Health City) says that mini stroke or TIA should never be taken lightly. Even if the symptoms resolve completely within a few minutes, it could be a sign of a major stroke in the future. If you suddenly experience symptoms like distortion of the face, weakness in arms and legs, difficulty in speaking or blurred vision, then immediately reach the hospital without any delay.
The expert further said that with timely diagnosis and treatment, the risk of major stroke and resulting paralysis can be reduced to a great extent. This situation indicates that there may be a serious problem in the blood vessels of the brain, which needs to be checked immediately.
Major symptoms of mini stroke
tilt of face to one side
weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
Difficulty speaking or understanding what others say
blurred vision in one or both eyes
sudden dizziness or loss of balance
severe headache without any reason
Even if these symptoms resolve within 5 to 10 minutes, it is still important to go to the hospital immediately.
These people are at greater risk
high blood pressure patients
diabetes
high cholesterol
smoking and tobacco use
obesity
heart disease or irregular heartbeat
over 55 years of age
genetic
Why is Golden Hour important?
Experts say that every minute is precious in the treatment of stroke. If the patient is taken to the hospital in time, in many cases medicines and treatments can be given that can prevent major damage to the brain. This is why as soon as stroke symptoms appear, emergency medical help should be sought immediately instead of waiting or adopting home remedies.
What tests can be done in the hospital?
If TIA is suspected, the doctor conducts a neurological examination of the patient. If needed, MRI or CT scan, carotid Doppler, ECG, echocardiography and blood tests can be done to find out the cause of stroke and reduce future risk.
How to protect?
To prevent stroke, it is most important to focus more on blood pressure. After a certain age, BP, blood sugar and cholesterol should be checked regularly. One should stay away from smoking and alcohol, exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, take a balanced diet and take medicines prescribed by the doctor regularly. People who have had TIA before should not be negligent in follow-up.
