As one of the common conditions that affect millions of individuals all over the world, mini stroke is a serious condition that must be taken seriously. If you want to truly understand what mini stroke is all about, you have to understand what ischemia is all about.
What is brain ischemia?
A healthy brain requires a steady delivery of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to approximately 100 billion neurons. Take note that this is accomplished by blood that travels across several blood vessels to every part of the brain to ensure normal brain functioning.
In some individuals, the blood vessels become clogged due to the presence of blood clots or cholesterol plaques, thus leaving the discrete brain regions momentarily disconnected from the blood supply. The lack of oxygen and nutrients in these areas is called as ischemia. The neurons in these ischemic areas starve and stop functioning rapidly.
Close look on mini stroke
A mini stroke is also called as TIA which is a brief period of diminished blood flow to an area of the brain. Since ischemia damages the function of the brain cells, an individual who is suffering from TIA ends up with symptoms of impairment in the overall brain function such as difficult speaking or moving the leg or arm on one side of the body. Take note that the symptoms can last for a few minutes to a few hours but they tend to diminish in less than 24 hours.
A small percentage of individuals who experience the symptoms of mini stroke go on to have a major stroke in the next three months. It is sad to note that many individuals were not able to seek medical care and end up with a stroke before a doctor is consulted.
Symptoms of mini stroke
The signs and symptoms of mini stroke start abruptly and fluctuate depending on the area of the region of the brain that is involved. Mini strokes that affect regions of the brain used to some extent in daily life function cause symptoms that are minor or almost unnoticeable. As for cases that affect areas of the brain used regularly on a daily basis can cause symptoms that are debilitating.
It is important to note that mini strokes most often affect parts of the brain that control movement and sensation in the arm, face and leg. It also affects the ability to understand and produce speech. The following are the usual signs and symptoms of a mini stroke.
- Numbness of the face, arm and leg on one side of the body
- Weakness of the face, arm and leg muscles on one side of the body
- Inability to speak
- Inability to understand spoken language
- Loss of vision through one eye
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Unexplained dizziness or vertigo
What to do if mini stroke is suspected?
Regardless of how mild or momentary the symptoms of mini stroke are, it is vital to bring the individual to the nearest emergency department right away if the individual experiences any of the usual symptoms.