Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA, Mini-Stroke) (cont.)
What are the risk factors for transient
ischemic attack (TIA)?
The risk factors for TIA or stroke are the same as those for other vascular
disease, similar to heart attack (coronary artery disease) or
peripheral vascular disease which causes decreased blood flow to the legs. Aside from family
history, other risk factors that the patient can influence include:
Also, any condition that results in stagnant blood flow and or clotting may
result in a TIA due to embolization of a blood clot. Such conditions may include
atrial fibrillation, large heart attacks, and severe
weakness of the heart
muscle.
What are the symptoms of transient ischemic
attack (TIA)?
The intensity and location of the blood limitation to the brain will
determine what symptoms will present as a result of a stroke or TIA. Many people
present with confusion, weakness, and lethargy. If the loss of blood supply is in
an area supplied by the carotid arteries, a classic presentation may include
weakness or paralysis and numbness of one side of the body. The whole side may
be affected, or just one limb. Often there is a facial droop. If the stroke is
on the left side of the body where the speech centers are located, there may be
difficulty understanding words or speaking. Partial vision loss may also be part
of the constellation of symptoms.
Strokes involving the vertebral arteries decrease blood supply to the base of
the brain and may cause a drop attack (a sudden fall while walking or standing,
and then a quick recovery), an unexpected collapse, incoordination or
difficulty walking.
The important distinction between stroke and TIA is resolution of the
symptoms. By definition, the symptoms of a TIA must completely resolve. And,
while this most often occurs within the first few minutes after symptom onset,
it may take up to 24 hours to have complete return to normal.
A special type of TIA is amaurosis fugax. Transient blindness in one eye
occurs because debris from a narrowed carotid artery clogs the artery
(ophthalmic artery) that supplies blood to the back of the eye.
Next: How is transient ischemic attack (TIA) diagnosed? »
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