Mini-strokes, also called transient ischemic attacks (TIA), occur when your brain gets less blood than normal. They can last from a few minutes up to a day. Many people who experience mini-strokes do not even realize they have had a stroke, but mini-strokes can be a warning sign of a full stroke. If someone experiences a mini-stroke, they should receive medical attention right away.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of their body. Sudden difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes. Sudden difficulty walking, as well as dizziness and loss of balance. Sudden confusion and difficulty talking or understanding someone talking to them. Sudden bad headache with no clear cause.
Face - Ask the person to smile. Check if one side of their face droops or appears numb. Their smile may appear uneven or lopsided on one side of their face. Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. If they cannot lift their arms, or if one arm drifts downward, they are likely suffering from a stroke. Speech - Ask the person a simple question, like their name or their age. Note if their words are slurred when they respond to you or if they have difficulty forming words. Time - If the person displays any of these symptoms, it is time to call 911. You should also check the time to confirm when the person’s symptoms first appeared, as the medical staff will use this information to better care for the person.
Imaging tests: These tests will provide a clear picture of the person’s brain, including CT scans and MRI scanning. They will help the doctor determine if the stroke was caused by a blockage or by bleeding in the brain. Electrical tests: You will probably be given an EEG (electroencephalogram) to record the electrical impulses and the sensory processes of the brain, and an EKG (electrocardiogram) to measure the electrical activity of the heart. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Blood flow tests: These tests will show any changes to blood flow to the brain that may be occurring.
A recent study by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) found that some stroke patients who received tPA within three hours of the beginning of their stroke symptoms were 30 percent more likely to recover with little to no disability after three months. If the person cannot have tPA, the doctor may prescribe an antiplatelet medicine or a blood thinner for a TIA, or mini-stroke. [10] X Research source If the person has had a hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may prescribe medication to lower their blood pressure. She may also take the person off any antiplatelet medications or blood thinners. Surgery is a treatment option in some cases.
