Is There Full Recovery after a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)?
Fri, March 12, 2010 at 03:00AM Symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) are the same as those for a stroke, and include sudden onset of any of these:
- · Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
- · Confusion, or trouble talking or understanding
- · Vision problems
- · Difficulty in walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
- · Severe headache with no known cause
With a TIA, symptoms go away within 24 hours, but that doesn’t mean the patient should forget about the episode. Overall, the risk of a patient having a stroke within 7 days of having a TIA is about 1 in 20 (5%). Ignoring the episode completely can lead to an 11% risk of a stroke, while receiving specialist neurology care can reduce the risk to 1%.
What’s the best post-TIA regime to prevent a major stroke? According to Indiana University researchers presenting at the American Stroke Association’s Conference, it’s a modified version of cardiac rehabilitation. A study of 14 first-time TIA victims agreed to take part in a modified cardiac rehab program. This consisted of 1½-hour sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks, involving monitored aerobic exercise, resistance t raining, and health education.
High blood pressure – the number one risk factor for stroke – was reduced by averages of 8.7 mm Hg systolic and 7.2 mm Hg diastolic during the program. (It’s known that a 5 mm Hg systolic reduction leads to a 14% reduction in stroke risk, and a 5 mm Hg diastolic to a 42% reduction in stroke risk.) Moreover, gait speed and endurance were significantly improved, also signs of improved cardiovascular health.
These findings emphasize the need for a rehab program after a TIA to reduce the likelihood of a subsequent major stroke.
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