Transient Ischemic Attacks
A transient ischemic attack is similar to a stroke, but is temporary,
mild and most commonly lasts only a few minutes. This condition
is caused when the blood supply is blocked or decreased from one or
more of the small blood vessels in the brain.
When an artery to the brain has substances in the wall of the artery
that can detach and clog the artery, it causes an interruption of blood
supply to the brain. Most of the transient ischemic attacks end
quickly, but there is danger of a stroke following within a few hours
or even a year later. A TIA is warning the person that there is a
dangerous stroke on the way and to take appropriate measures for
prevention.
The area of the brain with blockage can be determined by what areas
of the body show symptoms, since each part of the brain effects
different areas.
The most important symptom is a lack of sensation or numbness in a
particular body part. Other symptoms include loss of vision or hearing,
dizziness, loss of bladder control, loss of balance, fainting, unusual
movements, and difficulty in speech. The hospital has many other tests
for help in diagnosis.
Persons with any of the symptoms should be hospitalized and under
the care of a cardiologist for most effective treatment. Treatment
should be directed toward underlying diseases that usually cause heart
problems such as chest pain, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and
bad habits such as smoking.
In addition to the treatment, a healthy lifestyle of proper
nutrition and physical exercise will not only benefit this condition
but almost any health problem. For more information on a healthy
lifestyle, view my articles on “Keys to the Century Mark” and
“Alzheimer’s” free of charge by clicking on the link below.
