A minor stroke must be given due attention. It is important to note that the symptoms of a major stroke and a minor stroke are the same and both require emergency care at the hospital. A minor stroke is popularly called as transient ischemic attack (TIA). During a minor stroke, the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting to a variety of symptoms.
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An individual who is suffering from a minor stroke will have any or all of these symptoms:
- Abrupt, penetrating headache or migraine
- Numbness in the limbs
- Nausea
- Tingling sensation in the limbs
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- One side of the face droops down
- Unable to lift both arms to the same height
- Difficulty talking
- Dizziness
- Extreme confusion
Always remember that another minor stroke will follow after a previous one, oftentimes as soon as 24 hours after the previous stroke. The individual is more likely to suffer a full-blown stroke if he/she experienced an initial minor stroke than not experiencing one before. A stroke can cause permanent damage to the brain. Simply consider a minor stroke as a warning that must never be ignored.
A warning to consider
In some cases of a transient ischemic attack, the individual does not consider his/her condition bad enough to go to the hospital. In most cases, the individual will even argue not to be taken to the hospital. You have to ignore the individual and bring him/her to the hospital despite their protests. There is a risk for a full-blown stroke to occur in the next three days and the effects can be minimized if the individual is in a healthcare facility.
A transient ischemic attack and full-blown strokes can occur to anyone regardless of the age, gender and ethnic background. Individuals who are more prone to the condition include those who are smoking, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, carotid artery disease, obese and those who do not exercise. Women who utilize oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy are also at risk especially if they smoke.
Preventive measures
Always remember that hospitalization must be quick. The individual will undergo various tests such as a white blood count, blood test, CT scan and MRI. Medications such as pain-killers such as acetaminophen are usually given in most cases.
The individual will be closely monitored for the next 3-4 days. In most cases, the individual is not allowed to eat solid food for 1-2 days in order to avoid choking in case a stroke will abruptly occur while he/she is eating.
The individual must always bring a list of both prescription and over-the-counter medications he/she takes as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. This information is required in the hospital once the individual is admitted.