Mini-Strokes and the Real Thing

The risk of having a stroke is as high as one in 20 in the week following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke, as it’s sometimes called. A TIA produces stroke-like symptoms that are temporary in nature, usually resolving in 24 hours. A TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, but it’s a serious warning of stroke risk that shouldn’t be ignored. Common symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding; and sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

British physicians have analyzed 18 different groups comprising more than 10,000 people to establish the benefit of immediate care of patients with TIAs; they published their findings in the journal Lancet Neurology.

Overall, the risk of a patient having a stroke within 7 days of having a TIA was found to be 1 in 20 (5%). However, less than 1% of those treated for a TIA at a specialist neurology center went on to have a major stroke, while 11% of those who ignored the TIA symptoms subsequently had a stroke. TIA treatment in a less specialized setting resulted in a reduced likelihood of a subsequent major stroke, but it was somewhat more than a 1% risk.

This study speaks loudly in favor of anyone who has TIA symptoms going to a hospital that’s experienced in treating such a problem. Hospital ER physicians are well aware of the need to take TIA symptoms seriously; what’s important is that the patient is well aware, too.

Comments

[Deb Walker]

I have been diagnosed with small vessel stroke disease, and am also on inderol for my heart. I'm wondering what to expect next - I get sharp shooting head pains on a daily basis and am quite worried. Can you help me find some answers as to what to expect? Please contact me at my email address. Thanks - Deb

[Robert Griffith]

Deb:
Cerebral small vessel disease is associated with an increased risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and dementia. That's the bad news. The good news is that your shooting head pains are unlikely to be related to your condition, and can be readily treated with pain medication. Your doctor can help you by advising you on lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, etc) that will help ward off the risks linked to your small vessel disease. Good luck!