When we don’t heed the warning signs of stroke, we end up falling victims. One such sign is Transient Ischaemic Attack or mini-stroke. Awareness and alertness are key factors says, DR ABHINAV RAINA

An episode of stroke for any family can be devastating. This unfortunate episode can result in premature death and lifelong disability. In India, the incidence rate of stroke is estimated to be 119 to 145 per 100,000 people and we see 1.44 to 1.64 million cases of strokes annually. Sometimes when we do not heed the warning signs of stroke, we end up becoming victims of this devastating episode.

One such sign is the Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. It has been observed that the risk of stroke in the first three months after a TIA is 2-17per cent. About 33 per cent of those with a history of TIA have a major stroke within a year without any treatment.

TIA cause

When the blood flow to the brain cuts off for a short while (less than 5 minutes) it causes transient neurological symptoms same as is observed in stroke but are rapidly reversible.

This is  known as TIA. TIA is also referred to as mini-stroke because it is like a miniature version of a full-blown stroke. It causes less damage but it sure needs emergency care without delay.

Different from stroke

When an artery that is supplying blood to the brain gets blocked due to a blood clot, it causes oxygen starvation resulting in TIA. In a TIA, such a temporary clog is usually pushed along and is broken down. Thus, the normal flow of blood to the brain returns quickly. Symptoms of a TIA usually subside within an hour (typically less than 15 minutes) but may last up to 24 hours in some cases. Quite contrary, in an ischemic stroke, the brain goes oxygen-deprived for a longer period. This causes more damage and brings long-lasting effects that can be fatal and cause permanent disability or death.

Risk factors

Apart from the risks that are not under our control like age and family history, in general women have a higher risk of stroke/TIA than men. Other health conditions such as obesity, carotid artery disease, high BP, high cholesterol, diabetes, and pre existing heart conditions are also found to increase the odds of stroke/TIA.

Lifestyle choices like excess smoking, alcohol consumption, eating foods high in cholesterol, and using drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin can increase the risk.

Warning signs and symptoms

We must attempt to remember the term FAST (denotes Face, Arms, Speech, Time). These are mainly seen if a person is having a TIA.

These include:

The facial droop may be observed where the eyes or mouth may droop to one side. One may also experience trouble smiling.

Problems related to speech such as slurred, garbled, or difficult to understand. Also, one may find it difficult to gather the right words.

Weakness or numbness of limbs may be experienced. There might be trouble lifting or holding up the arms.

Sometimes one may also notice balance and coordination related troubles, blindness or transient blurring of vision, inability to move one side of the body, dizziness, confusion, and difficulties in understanding others.

Lifestyle changes

After knowing about TIA, it is important to make efforts to have a better lifestyle and adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of experiencing a TIA/stroke.

These include:

Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke from tobacco.

Eating a healthy and nutritious diet that includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Having a check on the excessive intake of salt and fats

Exercising regularly

Keeping away from recreational drugs.

Maintaining ideal body weight.

Following the advised/timely treatment plan for heart disease, diabetes and other health conditions.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis is generally established through thorough physical examination, neurological tests and various imaging techniques (MRI, Angiography, etc). 

Medications such as blood-thinners, anti cholesterol medications with or without the use of minimally invasive procedures (carotid angioplasty / stenting) and surgical procedures (Carotid endarterectomy) may be advised depending upon the severity of the TIA.

When the symptoms of a TIA strike, although it may pass, one should get medical help immediately. It must be remembered that there is a lot of uncertainty about whether the blood flow will restore on its own or not. It is impossible to predict if one is having a TIA or stroke because the symptoms are more or less the same.

Furthermore, in the current pandemic situation, the COVID-19 can lead to the development of blood clots in the vessels supplying the brain. This can subsequently progress to TIA and stroke.