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Types of Mini Strokes

A mini stroke or little stroke is known in the medical community as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or as a mini ischemic stroke. A TIA occurs when blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted. TIA symptoms are similar to ischemic stroke symptoms. TIA symptoms typically last for a few minutes to one or two hours, as opposed to a stroke's longer duration of 24 hours.

  1. TIA Symptoms

    • TIA symptoms include weakness and difficulty moving one side of the body, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, compromised vision, confusion, inability to speak, and vertigo or dizziness.

      Unlike a stroke, however, TIA does not result in brain tissue dying.

    TIA as Precursor to Ischemic Stroke

    • According to the "American Heart Association Journal," 10 percent to 15 percent of patients who suffer from a TIA develop a stroke within three months, with half of these cases occurring within 48 hours. Because of this, the medical community considers a TIA a signal of the patient's increased risk for stroke. Continuous TIAs in any one patient increases the risk of a stroke.

      Treatment, including antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, may temporarily or permanently stall subsequent TIAs or strokes.

    Preventative Measures

    • To help prevent a TIA, risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and other related disorders must be regulated. Family history and genetics may also be a consideration.

      Medical professionals recommend that patients at risk for TIA or stroke develop healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, discontinue smoking and drink moderate amounts of alcohol if they have not yet done so.

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