What Is a TIA – Mini Stroke?

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What Is a TIA – Mini Stroke?

TIA, also know as a mini stroke, occurs when there has been temporary blockage of blood flow in the brain, due to a thrombus. In a TIA, the body releases it’s own small amount of tPA and quickly dissolves the clot. This accounts for the temporary symptoms that incur no damage to brain tissues. The TIA is a warning sign of an impending stoke, and medical help should be sought immediately. Mini strokes happen only in ischemic episodes. Ischemic and hemorrhagic are complete opposites of each other but have the same symptoms and and inclinations.

An ischemic event occurs when the clot totally occludes an artery, preventing blood flow. This causes ischemia leading to cell death, and loss of functionality of the extremites, including the face.

Other conditions that can lead to the formation of blood clots:

Atrial fibrillation
Previous heart attack
Heart valve diseases
Some STDs
Cardiovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease

Narrowing of the arteries due to plaque build up, which lead to clots forming is a common factor in ischemic events. Cells and other debris stick to cracks in the plaque

Blood clots form in the first place as a response to tissue injury. Platelets stick together to plug up an injury that is leaking blood. If the blood doesn’t clot bleeding continues, leading to a host of other complications and problems.

Many times, the body is able to dissolve the clot itself by releasing an enzyme called plasmin, then phagocytes (white blood cells that engulf waste matter) come along and clean up the debris left behind.

Decreased blood flow to the brain leads to signs and symptoms of confusion, sudden headache, loss of balance, and difficulty speaking. The symptoms appear for only minutes then soon disappear, and the victim suffers no brain damage. It is still advisable to get emergency help, as a TIA is a warning that a major stoke is on the way. The goal of treatment at this point is to restore blood flow to the brain and prevent further damage.

There is a time element with stroke. In order for doctors to use certain medications, treatment must begin within 3 hours from when symptoms started. If symptoms are not recognized, then extensive damage could result. This is why it is important to know the signs and symptoms to avoid a delay in treatment.

Mini stroke can come on suddenly. There is no warning because the TIA itself serves as a warning of a major ischemic episode. A major stroke usually happens within a year of a mini stroke, however, this can be avoided and prevented with appropriate treatment. Your doctor can perform tests to determine your risk for a more serious complications if you seek medical treatment at the first sign or symptom of a mini stroke.

(ArticlesBase ID #1201182)
Barb Hicks is a Licensed Registered Nurse who loves to write and share her knowledge about Stroke Symptoms with others. She also provides more information about Stroke Therapy on Clivir.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/what-is-a-tia-mini-stroke-1201182.html

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Tagged with: Atrial fibrillation, Cardiovascular disease, Health, Neurological Disorders, Stroke, Transient ischemic attack

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