You may have heard about a stroke, but what is a “mini stroke?” It is a condition known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this condition, there is a temporary obstruction of blood flow to a part of your brain, spinal cord, or retina. The good news is mini strokes don’t cause permanent damage. Read on to learn more about this; the life expectancy after having a mini stroke and ways you can manage life after it.
Life Expectancy after a Mini Stroke
Pondering over life expectancy after a mini stroke? Fortunately, the negative effects are minimal. However, the real concern is that you become 10 to 20% more likely to have a proper stroke within the following two weeks. That is why you must, in any case, get immediate help from a professional team of cardiologists.
Your specialist will assess factors like high BP – blood pressure, cholesterol levels in the body, diabetes, and overall heart and brain health.
The Severity
Is the name a hint that you shouldn’t be worried about having a mini stroke? Not at all! Without prompt treatment, the situation soon turns fatal.
The occurrence is usually not that severe as the symptoms resolve quickly. It is a fact that some people may not even realize they have undergone an episode.
Having said that, it is important to recognize the warning signs and take them seriously. If you experience any stroke symptoms, even for a short period of time, seek a medical evaluation stat.
Symptoms
FAST! Just keep this acronym in mind when you think about a mini stroke episode.
F (face) – numbness, weakness, or tingling sensation on one side of the face.
A (arms) – severe weakness in the upper limbs.
S (speech) – you may lose the ability to talk properly and have slurred speech or difficulty finding words.
T (time) – seek emergency treatment immediately.
Other than that, sudden loss of vision or a severe headache are also some symptoms of a stroke. Since it’s impossible to distinguish between a TIA and a more severe stroke, do not wait and see if the symptoms get worse. Instead, seek medical help promptly.
Managing Life after Mini Stroke
People who have had an episode of a mini stroke are at greater risk of having another TIA. Usually, high blood pressure (not always, though) is one of the causes which they need to address. Lifestyle changes may help to reduce the risks; these include:
- Smoking cessation
- Lessen alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy diet
- Regular exercise
Closing Note
You can contact heart specialists from Epic Heart and Vascular Center for more information on this. We’re in the Texas Medical Arts Tower, opposite Abiding Word Lutheran Church.