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Sudden dizziness, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding the native language – these are just some of the signs of a microstroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Ukraine , Ukraingate, 18 , December , 2021| Medicine
What is a microstroke (TIA)?
Dr. Jerry Swanson, a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic, describes the TIA as “temporary cessation of blood flow to a part of the brain, spinal cord, or retina that can cause stroke-like symptoms.”
How is this different from a normal stroke?
The main difference between TIA and normal stroke is that it does not damage brain cells and does not cause permanent damage unlike stroke; in addition, the TIA lasts only a few minutes or hours.
With TIA, a person has ischemia (obstruction of blood flow), but he “dodged the bullet” because there is no long-term brain damage, – says Dr. Luis Kaplan, professor of neurology at Beth Israel Medical Center at Harvard. preconditions that are likely to lead to stroke in the near future.
What are the symptoms of TIA?
About one in three people who have had a TIA also have a stroke later. Because their symptoms are almost the same, it is best to know them so that you can seek medical help as soon as possible.
Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arms or legs, often on one side of the body.
Fuzzy, slurred speech or difficulty understanding others.
Blindness in one or both eyes or diplopia.
Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden sharp headache for no apparent reason.
Who is at risk?
Risk factors for TIA and stroke include family history of stroke or TIA, old age (especially after 55), past TIA, hereditary sickle cell disease, racial affiliation (increased risk in blacks, in part due to greater predisposition to high pressure and diabetes) and gender (men have a slightly higher risk of TIA, although women are more likely to die from stroke). Although many of these factors do not depend on us, it is better to know about them for preventive purposes.
Is there a way to reduce the risk of TIA?
The best way to protect yourself from TIA (as well as many other diseases) is to lead a healthy lifestyle. Here are the recommendations of the Mayo Clinic:
- Reduce cholesterol and fat intake. Abstinence from trans and saturated fats reduces the formation of platelet plaques in the arteries, ensuring healthy blood flow.
- Reduce salt intake. Excess salt can raise blood pressure, which overloads blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Exercise regularly. Half an hour of moderately intense exercise at least a day will reduce the risk of TIA / stroke.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid drugs. Women are not recommended to drink more than once a day, men – more than twice.
- Consult a doctor about birth control pills. Some oral contraceptives can be dangerous due to stimulation of hormone production.
Be careful – and you will be healthy!
Source : Ukragte
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