Strokes are usually perceived as causing serious brain damage that could lead to severe disability. A similar threat, however, is caused by the so-called mini-strokes, i.e. transient ischemic attacks (TIA).
Mini-strokes occur when the artery which pumps blood to the brain becomes clogged and then spontaneously regains its patency. Their symptoms usually disappear after 24 hours. They do not result in large-scale brain damage like full-blown strokes that lead to paralysis, aphasia, and sometimes death. However, untreated transient ischemic attacks are a significant reason for dementia development, which manifests itself in memory impairment.
Memory killers
Mini-strokes only seemingly leave no trace. Also, they recur, which should not be ignored, as their cumulative results lead to serious brain damage.
Carol Thatcher, daughter of the former UK Prime Minister had the misfortune to see this. Her mother was famous for her phenomenal memory. When she read a text once, she already knew it almost by heart. At least that was the case until the year 2000, when Carol noticed that not only had the 75-year old Iron Lady lost her abilities, but she also confused basic facts that she should be well aware of. In one conversation she confused the war in Bosnia with the military conflict over the Falkland Islands.
It turned out later that Margaret Thatcher had gone through a series of mini-strokes, which damaged her brain.
A sign of an impending stroke
According to Dr. Jeffrey Saver, neurologist from the University of California-Los Angeles Stroke Center, in the US people experience 20 transient ischemic attacks per one stroke. TIA are most frequent among elderly people, but they can occur in younger patients as well. They should never be dismissed, even if only a single mini-stroke occurred.
Studies of 510 people who had had transient ischemic attacks conducted by Prof. Shelagh B. Coutts from Hotchkiss Brain Institute Calgary in Canada showed that in 12% of cases their function deteriorated within three months and this happened even if the mini-stroke had not recurred.
“That is why it is absolutely necessary to report to a physician even after a single event," stressed the Canadian Professor. “First and foremost the patient should be tested for any potential brain damage, even when he or she is not visibly affected in any way."
A TIA can be a sign of a more devastating stroke. One in ten patients suffer a stroke within three months from a TIA. One in two patients experience it within two years.
Dizziness and fainting
The symptoms of transient ischemic attack may include dizziness and fainting, as well as problems with speaking and understanding. Other symptoms include temporary vision and memory impairment, arm, or leg paresis, paralysis of one side of the face and a tingling sensation (paresthesia) and numbness of some parts of the body. Disorientation and problems with equilibrium and motor coordination also occur.
The same symptoms might accompany a stroke, which is why it’s always best to call for help. If it is indeed a stroke, immediate help is vital to prevent more extensive brain damage – it is paramount to eliminate the clogging of blood vessels. In ischemic strokes anticoagulants, such as the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are administered.
Mini-strokes can be prevented, or at least their risk can be minimised. This depends on the patient's general condition – if he or she has arterial hypertension, diabetes and a cardiovascular disease. But even with those conditions present, administering appropriate medication can reduce the risk of a stroke.
Comments (0)