The danger of downplaying transient ischemic attacks
Every year, at least 240,000 people in the US experience what doctors call a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or what has commonly been known as a “mini stroke.” A TIA will often pass relatively quickly and, as a result, can sometimes be dismissed or even left unreported and forgotten. The name “mini stroke” even suggests that what has occurred is not a serious event.
But the experts at the American Heart Association have a very different name for a TIA—a warning stroke—and studies show that nearly 1 in 5 people who experience a TIA will suffer a full-blown stroke within months, or even days
What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack?
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, occurs when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. This blockage results in a dangerous lack of oxygen to the brain, much like a full stroke, and presents with the same symptoms as a stroke, even if only temporary.
These symptoms include:
- Facial droop
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech or trouble finding the right words
- Dizziness, vision loss, or difficulty walking
Recognize the Signs of Stroke,
Remember to BE FAST
B = Balance problems
Is there sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E = Eye trouble
Are they experiencing tunnel vision of blindness?
F = Face drooping
Is their smile lopsided or uneven?
A = Arm weakness
If they raise both arms in the air, does one drift downward?
S = Speech difficulty
Can they repeat a simple sentence? Is their speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911
If the person exhibits symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
And be fast because every second matters.
Symptoms will likely come on strong but then fade relatively quickly and likely pass within minutes, without any obvious permanent damage. Because of this, they are often dismissed--sometimes with tragic consequences.
If you or someone you know has experienced a TIA, seek emergency help immediately.
Who Is At Risk of a TIA?
A stroke can happen to anyone, but your chances do increase with age and there are risk factors that increase your odds.
These risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Smoking
And according to the AHA, stroke rates double every 10 years after age 55.
Have You Experienced a TIA?
If so, call 911 and seek help immediately. Ask them to take you to the nearest Comprehensive Stroke Center.
A TIA is a serious warning and anyone experiencing one should seek professional medical help at once. The chance of an additional—and worse—stroke is very real. Some people who seek help after a TIA find that they’ve actually suffered a full stroke and are incredibly lucky to be alive.
Learn More
Have you or a loved one experienced a stroke? Ask your doctor about Sarasota Memorial’s outpatient clinic dedicated to preventing secondary strokes, by providing resources, therapies, and support.
To learn more about neurological services at Sarasota Memorial, where you’ll find the only nationally recognized and state-certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in Sarasota County, click here.
To read the report from the American Heart Association, click here.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and questions every headache.