What are the signs of mini stroke? A mini stroke is the simple term for a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and is a less severe version of a full stroke. All types of strokes are causes by an interruption in the blood supply to the brain, but in the case of a mini stroke, the attack only lasts for a short time and the patient normally makes a full recovery.
Mini strokes can occur in people of any age, but some people are known to be more susceptible than others and if there is a history of strokes in the family, it is vital that symptoms of ill health are closely monitored in order to prevent the possibility of a mini stroke or full stroke.
What are the signs of mini stroke? There are several warning signs of mini stroke, and because a mini stroke is often a pre-curser to a full stroke, it is very important that those who believe they might be susceptible to a mini stroke are fully aware of the symptoms.
The signs of mini stroke in men and women are exactly the same as those seen in a full stroke, the only difference being that in a mini stroke, the symptoms usually resolve themselves within 24 hours or less. Each part of the brain has a different function and symptoms of a mini stroke will vary depending on which section of the brain has been affected by the transient ischemic episode.
Typical signs of mini stroke in women and men include weakness or numbness affecting one side of the body, vision problems through one eye, unexplained dizziness or vertigo, and/or speech problems. Another common symptom of a mini stroke is the onset of a sudden and very severe headache—typically as the result of a burst blood vessel or bleeding in the brain.
The symptoms of a mini stroke are immediate and can come on without warning, which is classic indicator of a transient ischemic episode. The neurologic symptoms are usually the most obvious and any patient who suddenly experiences problems with speech, walking, unexplained weakness down one side of the body, or appears extremely confused with no apparent cause, is in all likelihood suffering from some kind of stroke.
Symptoms of a mini stroke can last for a few minutes, or a few hours. In some cases, the symptoms of a mini stroke are so mild that the affected person is largely unaware a mini stroke has even occurred, but in some cases, if a mini stroke affects the area of the brain controlling movement or speech, the repercussions are likely to be much more obvious.
Because a mini stroke is so often the early warning sign of an impending major stroke, it is very important that any symptoms are not overlooked or ignored. If a patient suffers a mini stroke, they should start blood-thinning treatment immediately in order to prevent the future occurrence of a full stroke, which are usually far more devastating, and in many cases, fatal.
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