Practical Practitioner
By: Pamela Egan, FNP-C CDE
TIA’s (Transient Ischemic Attacks) serve as warning signs of upcoming stroke
Dear Pam,
My blood pressure went up to 220/120, my face and arm became numb so I went to the ER. They told me I probably had a TIA. What exactly is a TIA? Can I prevent a stroke?
A stroke is a “brain attack” that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted. It is the number one cause of chronic adult disability in the United States and affects 750,000 people annually.
Transient ischemic attacks, also called TIAs or mini-strokes, are brief episodes of stroke symptoms that typically last less than 24 hours. Generally, no permanent loss of abilities is noticed by individuals after a TIA.
TIA’s should never be ignored! More than one-third of all persons who experience TIA’s will go on to have an actual stroke.
Did you know:
- 5 percent of strokes will occur within one month of a TIA or first stroke
12 percent will occur within one year- 20 percent will occur within two years
- 25 percent will occur within three years
The symptoms of TIA’s are the same as for stroke but may differ depending on which part of the brain is affected:
Signs you may be having a TIA:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
-
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes - Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, for even the briefest amount of time or notice them in someone else, seek medical attention immediately.
Don’t wait for the symptoms to go away, because you cannot tell whether you are having a stroke or a TIA.
Unfortunately, most people who have Transient Ischemic Attacks don’t seek treatment, either because the symptoms come and go quickly and are painless or because they think their symptoms are caused by old age, fatigue, etc. Once you have had a TIA, you are at high risk for another TIA or a full stroke if not treated.
TIA’s are generally caused by three things:
- 1. Low blood flow at a narrowing in a major artery to the brain, such as the carotid artery.
- 2. Blood clot in another part of the body, such as the heart, breaking off and temporarily lodging itself in a brain blood vessel.
- 3. Narrowing in one of the smaller blood vessels in the brain, stopping blood flow temporarily.
Diagnostic tests such as a blood test to look for clotting problems, carotid ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan may be ordered.
Management of TIA’s is focused on preventing a future stroke. The therapy used depends on the exact cause of the TIA. Medications to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease to reduce your risk of further TIA or stoke may be prescribed.
After a TIA occurs, there are several clot prevention medications available to help reduce the risk of a full stroke.
Aspirin is the least expensive and longest standing clot-preventing medications. A newer, more effective option is a combination of aspirin and extended-release Aggrenox.
Plavix and Ticlid are other options your clinician might consider. Coumadin is commonly prescribed to prevent clots from forming in patients with atrial fibrillation.
If TIA’s are caused by a partial blockage in the carotid artery, surgery may be required to open the artery.
Talk with your health care provider about what the best stroke prevention options are for you. Then be a partner in your own good prevention plan. Lifestyle adjustments are especially important. If you are smoking, stop. Also lower the fat in you diet, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information contact NSA 1-800-STROKES.
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PamelaEgan.com > Health Articles > Early Detection
