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Mini Strokes Symptoms

Strokes are the leading cause of neurological disability in adults. The brain controls every part of the body, how we think, see, talk and move. When blood supply is lost in a certain area of the brain the body functions that that part of the brain controls will stop working. A mini stroke should be viewed as sign because the chances of a full blown stroke are higher after a person has experienced a mini stroke. A stroke may occur at any age, one third of people who experience mini strokes are younger than 65 years of age.

  1. Facts

    • A mini stroke is the lack of blood flow to certain areas of the brain for a brief period of time. When the brain does not receive oxygen and nutrients it is called ischemic. During this process the functions of the brains is impaired and a person may suffer from difficulty speaking and moving their arms or legs on one side of the body. A mini stroke was previously known as TIA.

    Time frame

    • The symptoms of a mini stroke can last a few minutes to a couple of hours. The symptoms of a mini stroke by definition will go away within 24 hours. It is very important to see a doctor after a mini stroke to lower the risk of future strokes. The symptoms of a mini stroke that can improve typically will improve within 30 minutes of the stroke. In very rare occasions the symptoms of a stroke can last up to two hours.

    Identification

    • The part of the body that will show the signs of a mini stroke is based on which blood vessel is clogged and which portion of the brain lacks proper blood supply. Mini stroke symptoms may be subtle or obvious. They range from weakness/numbness on one side of the body or face, temporary incomprehension, the inability to speak, dizziness or short term loss of vision. These are all sure signs of a mini stroke, early identification can potentially lower the risk of future strokes.

    Prevention/solution

    • There is no way to completely prevent the risk of a stroke but there are methods to lower the risk of a mini stroke. High blood pressure patients should always follow the doctor's orders. Avoiding or eating less foods high in fat and cholesterol and consuming less salt will lower your blood pressure and cholesterol level. Those with diabetes should keep their blood sugar level under control. No smoking and a limited amount of alcohol may also lower the risk of a mini stroke.

    Warning

    • According to the National Stroke Association, those that have suffered from a mini stroke are at a 25 percent higher risk of having a full blown stroke within 90 days. It is important to seek medical attention after experiencing a mini stroke. The symptoms of a mini stroke may be so subtle that you may not know that you are experiencing one. Temporary blindness may also occur if the part of the brain is affect that controls the area of the eye.

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