Transient ischemic attack: Symptoms and causes

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Know the basics

What is transient ischemic attack?

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a form of blood shortage in the nervous system lasted less than 24 hours, usually within a few minutes. The disease is also known as mild stroke. The disease occurs when part of the brain is not getting enough blood. You will have a higher risk of stroke if you have previously had a transient ischemic.

How common is transient ischemic attack?

Common diseases than those over 60 years old. Asian, African and Caribbean descent are at risk for transient ischemic attacks higher. This is partly because this group is likely to be higher constipation can lead to lack of blood to the brain and increase blood pressure.

Know the symptoms

What are the symptoms of transient ischemic attack?

The most common symptoms that you may feel weak in any part of the body. Other symptoms include confusion, dizziness, diplopia (seeing an object into two objects), memory loss, numbness, trouble speaking and swallowing, tingling, changes in vision and trouble walking .

In 70% of cases, the symptoms disappear in less than 10 minutes and 90% of cases, the symptoms disappear in less than 4 hours.

There may be other symptoms and signs are not mentioned. If you have any questions about these signs, please consult your doctor.

When should I see my doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you have signs and symptoms of a transient ischemic attack. Timely treatment will help you prevent future strokes.

Know the causes

What causes transient ischemic attack?

Causes of transient ischemic attacks may be due status and stagnant blood clotting in the arteries and blocks blood flow. Most, your body can destroy the blood clot can this week to return, from which the symptoms disappear.

Transient ischemic attacks also occur when a blood volume trapped in a cerebral blood vessel. This blood clot often come from the heart or carotid artery, trapped and prevent blood to the brain, so the brain can not get oxygen from the blood.

Know the risk factors

What increases my risk for transient ischemic attack?

There are many factors that can increase the risk of Transient ischemic attack, including:

• Medical history of the family: you are at risk for transient ischemic attacks higher if one member of your family has ever suffered this condition.
• Age: The older the more susceptible, especially after 55 years.
• Gender: Men are more likely than women’s disease, however more than half of the deaths are women.
• Transient ischemic attacks earlier: you are at risk of developing more than 10 times normal.
• Sickle cell disease: also called sickle cell anemia, stroke is a common complication of this genetic disorder. Blood cells carry less oxygen sickle and tend to become stuck in the arteries, obstructing blood flow to the brain.
• Race: black people are at risk of death when transient ischemic attacks more, partly because of high blood pressure and diabetes.

However, there are some risk factors you can control:

• High Blood Pressure;
• High cholesterol levels;
• There CVD and PAD, diabetes;
• Overweight;
• High homocysteine concentrations.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

Understand the diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. ALWAYS consult with your doctor for more information.

How is transient ischemic attack diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose based on medical history and your physical examination. CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look for abnormalities in the brain. Other tests may include examination graph mass carotid artery to block and EKG to look for signs of cardiac thrombosis can move to the brain.

How is transient ischemic attack treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your illness. Your doctor will advise on the best prevents stroke.

Diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, tobacco addiction, unhealthy lifestyle and high cholesterol should be treated. Your doctor may tell you to take aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin to thin the blood and prevent thrombosis. You may need surgery to open a blocked artery (over 70%).

Lifestyle changes & home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help me manage transient ischemic attack?

The following lifestyles and home remedies might help you cope with Transient ischemic attack:

• Pay attention to the signs and symptoms when you suffer transient ischemic attacks. What are you doing when it happened? You experience the symptoms? They lasted how long? They happen when? This is important information your doctor can help determine the cause of transient ischemic attacks and related blood vessels.
• Take only medicines prescribed by a doctor. There are certain medicines you are taking may need regular blood tests.
• Tell your doctor about your other illnesses such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Remember the follow-up appointments with your doctor.
• Call your doctor if you suffer from transient ischemic attack other after starting the medication; severe headache was unusual; you have problems or side effects from medication.

If you have any questions, please consult with your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Read more post:

• Coronary artery disease – Symptoms and causes
• Chest pain – Symptoms and causes

Sources

Porter, Robert. Kaplan Justin. Homeier Barbara. The Merck manual home health handbook. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2009. Print edition.

Pagana, Kathleen D, and Timothy J. Pagana. Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby/Elsevier, 2010. Print edition. Page 722.