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Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

July 21, 2007 on 7:10 am | In Diseases and Conditions | No Comments

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is  called a mini-stroke. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a stroke that is quickly resolved before causing permanent damage. Transient ischemic attacks are caused by a temporary interruption of the blood flow to brain cells. Since a TIA is a short-term type of stroke, the risk factors for stroke apply to TIAs as well.  Diffusion-weighted imaging demonstrates microinfarctions (< 1 cm3) in approximately 50% of patients with TIA, establishing that not all clinically transient spells are transient at the tissue level. Being male, more than 35 years old, having stroke at entry, and cardiac diseases, were independent predictors of the composite outcome event, whereas only stroke at entry and cardiac diseases predicted death from all causes. Stroke occurs in all age groups, in both sexes, and in all races in every country. It can even occur before birth, when the fetus is still in the womb. Cigarette smoking has been linked to the buildup of fatty substances in the carotid artery, the main neck artery supplying blood to the brain.

Strokes that affect the back of the brain may lead to loss of vision, while strokes in the front of the brain can cause personality or behavioral changes. Women ages 39 to 50 who ate more fish and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids had a reduced risk of stroke. This was particularly true in women who did not take aspirin regularly. Women ages 15 to 44 who had 2 drinks of wine a day had a 40% to 60% lower risk of stroke than women who did not drink alcohol. Phenylpropanolamine, a compound contained in appetite suppressants and cold remedies, significantly increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in women 18 to 49 years of age. Mortality in both groups was significantly higher than in the general population, and average mortality was higher in the first than in subsequent years.

TIA is related with other medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease, migraine, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus. Anticoagulant medications such as aspirin, dipyridamole, heparin and coumadin may be used. Neuroprotectants are medications that protect the brain from secondary injury caused by stroke. Medications used for this purpose include anticoagulants (anti-clotting medications) and antiplatelet medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Surgery can be used to prevent stroke, to treat acute stroke, or to repair vascular damage or malformations in and around the brain. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes fatty deposits (plaque) from the inside of one of the carotid arteries, which are located in the neck and are the main suppliers of blood to the brain. OT also involves exercise and training to help the stroke patient relearn everyday activities such as eating.

Stroke Treatment Tips

1. Anticoagulant medications such as aspirin, dipyridamole, heparin and coumadin may be used.

2. Neuroprotectants are medications that protect the brain from secondary injury caused by stroke.

3. Surgery can be used to prevent stroke, to treat acute stroke, or to repair vascular damage or malformations in and around the brain.

4. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes fatty deposits (plaque) from the inside of one of the carotid arteries,

5. OT also involves exercise and training to help the stroke patient relearn everyday activities such as eating.