Experts have issued an alarming warning about a condition known as a mini stroke. Although it usually only lasts a few minutes, this temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain can be an early sign of much more serious health problems. , it is dangerous mainly because its symptoms are very difficult to recognize.
- A transient ischemic attack is a short-term blockage of blood flow to the brain.
- Although it may only last a short time, it signals a serious health risk.
- The symptoms of a mini stroke can mimic a migraine and disappear quickly.
- An untreated transient ischemic attack significantly increases the risk of a full-blown stroke.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a condition in which blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, usually by a blood clot or plaque build-up in the arteries. “It may actually be the luck of the draw because it gives us an early warning that something is wrong,” said Dr. Mitchell SV Elkind, professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York.
This disease can cause a variety of symptoms, which often disappear within minutes as the clot or plaque breaks down or dissolves.. This means that warning signs appear suddenly and are difficult to spot. Since the blockage itself only lasts a short time, blood flow is quickly restored and the brain does not suffer any permanent damage. “I have treated people in their 20’s who thought they just had a migraine but actually had a mini stroke,” explained Dr. Tom French.
The symptoms of a mini stroke are often difficult to recognize. (illustrative photo)
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Therefore, experts strongly appeal that no patient should underestimate a mini-stroke. If the condition is left untreated, up to 20% of people will have an actual stroke within 90 days of getting over it, with half of those having a stroke within the first two days. “Basically, all the common symptoms of a stroke are also warning signs of a transient ischemic attack,” added neurologist Brandon Giglio. Doctors recommend remembering the acronym “BE FAST” aka be quick to immediately recognize the symptoms:
- B – Balance (English “Balance”): Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or general incoordination.
- E – Eyes (“Eyes” in English): Blurred vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- F – Face (“Face” in English): Drooping of part of the face, numbness or an asymmetrical smile.
- A – Arms (“Arms” in English): Weakness or numbness in one or both hands.
- S – Speech (“Speech” in English): Slurred speech, mumbling, or other difficulty speaking.
- T – Time (“Time” in English): If any of these symptoms appear, seek help immediately.
the main risk factors for transient ischemic attack are high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. These chronic diseases can damage and weaken blood vessels over the long term, making them stiffer, narrower and more prone to blockages.
Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and recreational drug use. The likelihood of a TIA also increases in the case of a family history of stroke.
