Mild Stroke Symptoms: Or A TIA?

A TIA or transient ischemic attack, is caused by a brief interruption in the flow of blood to the brain. It can have identical symptoms to a stroke. The difference is the sypmtoms usually last about one hour and then are fully reversible. Sometimes they can last up to 24 hours but this is not as common as a shorter duration. Also, there is no brain damage with TIA's.

Because of the mild stroke symptoms, TIA's are also called "mini-strokes" by doctors. This is a bit confusing to some patients, as a stroke means actual damage has occurred.

The danger with TIA's is that they are generally considered a precursor to a CVA. People may have only one or several of these attacks before "the big one" hits.

Symptoms Of A Mini Stroke or TIA

Many people describe a darkening to vision like a veil is being drawn over the eyes. This is due to narrowing of the retinal artery during a TIA.

Other complaints include:

• lack of coordination
• dizziness
• slurred speech
• generalized weakness

Treatment

The best treatment for mild stroke symptoms that are diagnosed as TIA's is prevention of further problems. This may involve lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol and keeping blood pressure under control.

If you are having TIA's or mild stroke symptoms, your doctor may also recommend starting aspirin as a blood thinner. This will help prevent the formation of blood clots which adhere to cholesteral plaques in arteries, thereby narrowing them and resulting in TIA's.