What you should know about TIA and stroke

I recently saw a patient who had just visited the emergency room, worried he might be having a stroke. He had experienced numbness on one side of his face, but fortunately, his symptoms resolved within a few hours. He was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack and was sent home in stable condition a few days later.

I then had another patient who had suffered two strokes in the past year. Sadly, he is now bedridden and unable to speak. The contrast between these two patients was a stark reminder of how devastating strokes can be and the importance of early intervention.

Imagine your brain as the control center of your body. It needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, delivered by your blood vessels, to function properly. If something interrupts this flow, even briefly, the consequences can be serious. This is the story of TIAs and strokes, two conditions that can affect the brain in dramatic ways. Let’s break them down.

What Are Transient Ischemic Attacks?

A TIA, often called a “mini-stroke,” is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. The word “transient” means short-lived, and unlike a stroke, TIAs do not cause permanent brain damage. However, they should never be ignored.

During a TIA, blood flow is blocked for a few minutes, often because of a blood clot. This brief interruption can cause symptoms similar to a stroke, such as:

•Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, often on one side of the body

•Trouble speaking or understanding speech

•Blurred or double vision

•Dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

The symptoms usually last less than 24 hours and often resolve within minutes. But don’t be fooled by their temporary nature — TIAs are a serious warning sign. About one in three people who experience a TIA will go on to have a stroke, sometimes within days or weeks.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing brain cells to die. Unlike a TIA, the damage from a stroke can be permanent, leading to disability or even death.

There are two main types of strokes:

1. Ischemic Stroke — This is the most common, making up about 87 percent of all strokes. It happens when a blood clot or fatty deposit blocks blood flow to the brain. Think of it as a traffic jam in your brain’s blood vessels, preventing oxygen from reaching certain areas.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke — This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding. High blood pressure and aneurysms (weakened blood vessel walls) are common culprits.

Picture a pipe bursting and flooding your brain with blood, damaging the tissues around it.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

When it comes to strokes and TIAs, time is crucial. The faster you seek help, the better your chances of recovery. Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to remember the warning signs:

Face: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.

Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms.

Speech: Is their speech slurred or strange? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence

Time: If you notice any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Even if the symptoms go away, as with a TIA, it’s important to seek medical attention. Time is brain, and TIAs and strokes are medical emergencies. Go to the emergency room immediately.

What Causes TIAs and Strokes?

Both conditions share many risk factors, including: high blood pressure, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and smoking.

Preventing Strokes and TIAs

The good news is that many strokes and TIAs can be prevented with lifestyle changes and medical care.

•Keep your blood pressure under control with a healthy diet, exercise, and medications if needed.

•Quit smoking: This single step can significantly reduce your risk.

•Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.

•Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt and unhealthy fats.

•Control diabetes: Monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s advice.

•Take medications as prescribed: If your doctor recommends blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs, take them as directed.

The Bottom Line

TIAs and strokes are serious conditions, but they don’t have to be life-altering. Understanding the warning signs and risk factors can help you act quickly and take steps to protect your brain. Think of it as an investment in your future health — because every second counts when it comes to saving your brain.