How to Manage Transient Ischemic Attack

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when a blood clot temporarily clogs the artery, causing no blood to flow to the brain. As a result, stroke-like symptoms abruptly occur. It only lasts for a short while leaving no permanent damage. In most cases, signs and symptoms disappear within an hour; but they may also persist for up to a period of 24 hours. Such stroke-like symptoms may include sudden one-sided weakness and numbness of the face, arms, and lower extremities, an abrupt slurring of speech, and sudden confusion or difficulty in understanding others. Sudden double vision or blindness of one or both eyes may also occur along with sudden severe headache, and trouble ambulating due to an abrupt loss of balance and coordination. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a mini stroke, even if it does not cause any lasting effect, it should still be considered a serious case. It serves as a message that something is wrong with your system and that you may be a candidate of a major stroke. So if any of the symptoms are observed, make sure to notify the doctor right away for immediate diagnosis and management.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-platelet medications
• Surgeons
• Fiber foods/vegetables/ fruits

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Instructions

• 1

  Take some doctor prescribed medications. Aspirin is mostly the drug of choice when it comes to an anti-platelet agent. It prevents future stroke by making platelets less sticky to avoid clot formation. For symptoms of transient ischemic attacks that gradually increase, an alternative anti-platelet drug called clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) or ticlopidine (ticlid), may be administered.

• 2

  Contact your doctor and schedule a carotid ultrasound to determine if you are experiencing narrowing of the carotid arteries (stenosis). If the result reveals that your artery has narrowed, refer to a vascular surgeon to perform a surgery called carotid endarterectomy. This procedure involves removal of fatty acids or plaques that are accumulating around the surface of the arteries. Another alternative surgery is known as the carotid angioplasty. This is a procedure that involves using a balloon-like device to open up the clogged artery and then inserting a narrow metal or plastic tube inside to keep it open.

• 3

  Watch what you eat. Eating healthy is one of the best ways to manage transient ischemic attack. Consuming more fibers, vegetables, and fruits, are advisable to maintain a healthy diet and wash off deadly fats that predispose clots.

• 4

  Exercise to maintain a healthy weight. This is an excellent method to melt away fats. Exercise will keep you safe from having another transient ischemic spells and will shield you against stroke attacks.

• 5

  Seek help on supporting groups that deals with smoking and alcohol problems. Smoking and alcohol are one of the major risk factors for both transient ischemic attack and stroke. So try hard to change your lifestyle to improve your health.

• 6

  Constant visit to the doctor is needed to check your cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall condition. This way, prevention of transient of ischemic spells is constantly monitored.