Transient Ischemic Attacks – The Sly Attacker

TIA or transient ischemic attack is a miniature version of a stroke wherein the symptoms are analogous to a stroke, however are transitory in nature. A TIA beeps an alert of an imminent risk of stroke. In case one has a Transient Ischemic Attacks, it is imperative to promptly seek medical assistance as early treatment could assist in averting a stroke. In case one feels that Transient Ischemic Attack has occurred but the symptoms have subsided, it is still important to quickly get in touch with the doctor.

Causes of Transient Ischemic Attacks:

TIA occurs due to a blockage or reduction of blood supply to a part of the brain, mostly due to the formation of a blood clot. Blood clots are the outcome of thickening of the arteries known as arthersclerosis, heart attack or anomalous cardiac rhythms. In a matter of some seconds, the obstruction causes major affect on the brain cells leading to symptoms appearing on that side of the body that are managed by these cells. As soon as there is dissolution of the clot, within brief spans of time, the normal blood flow is restored and the symptoms subside. But in case of a stroke, there is lasting blockage in the flow of blood and hence long-standing damage to the brain.

Occasionally, a Transient Ischemic Attack occurs due to a steep plummet in blood pressure that lowers the flow of blood to the brain known as ‘low-flow’ TIA.

Transient Ischemic Attacks Symptoms:

The signs and symptoms of TIA are abrupt in nature.

• Sensation of numbness, tingling or heaviness experienced in merely one side of the body.
• Inability in moving the arm, leg or the face on one side of the body.
• Blurred or dimness, dual vision or unable to view things around.
• Difficulty in speaking. Slurred or jumbled up speech.
• Difficulty in deciphering words.
• Unsteadiness, giddiness or clumsiness, difficulty to walk.

Diagnosis & Tests:

The heart and blood vessels are analysed with the help of the below mentioned tests, namely:

• CAT scan, Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI, MRA (Magnetic resonance angiogram) or an angiogram.
• A Doppler ultrasound that employs sounds for checking the blood flow.
• An echocardiogram for assessing the shape of the heart and blood flow it is receiving.
• An EKG, ECG – electrocardiogram for measurement of the cardiac rhythm.
• The doctor would additionally analyse whether the symptoms are arising due to other causes.

Treatment of TIA:

• The doctor would prescribe the intake of quite a few medicines for averting a stroke.
• In case the test outcome reveal a constriction in the blood vessels in the carotid arteries present in the neck, then surgical intervention known as carotid endarterectomy is required for opening them. This could be beneficial in preventing blood clots that lead to obstruction in the flow of blood to the brain.
• Carotid artery stenting is another kind of surgery performed wherein a fine tube known as stent is introduced in the carotid artery for keeping the artery free from any form of constriction. Carotid artery stenting is not that prevalently performed as compared to endarterectomy.

Prevention:

• Maintaining normal levels of blood pressure and cholesterol.
• In case diabetic, keeping blood pressure levels are normalised as doable.
• Following the doctor’s advice that could entail the day-to-day intake of aspirin or other medications.
• Always following the right manner of intake of medicines as the doctor prescribed.
• Consuming heart-paly dietetic intake that involves loads of fish, fresh fruits, salads, veggies, high-fibre foods, multi-grain breads and olive oil.
• Exercising on a regular basis.
• Maintaining ideal weight.
• Smoking cessation and avoiding any form of second hand smoke.
• Curbing intake of alcohol as crossing two drinks in a day is bound to increase the likelihood of a stroke.
• Avoiding falling ill due to flu and getting inoculated with the flu vaccine annually.