Different Strokes
A mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is where the blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked or reduced. Initial symptoms can mimic a full blown stroke such as a sudden headache, difficulty in walking, trouble or slurred speech, blurred vision and numbness. Although the symptoms disappear soon enough, the damage the brain incurs is permanent because the blood flow to the brain remains blocked.
Emerging research now shows that a person who suffers one or numerous TIAs throughout the course of their life is 20% more likely to die within nine years of the initial TIA than that of the general population. The risk for a TIA shortening a lifespan is greatest among patients older than 65 and those who have a history of heart problems. Further analysis showed that people who'd had a mini-stroke before the age of 50 did not show a markedly greater risk of death than the general population. But don`t be fooled, TIA`s can occur at any age.
The risk factors are parallel to those that can increase your risk for a full blown stroke. To learn more, read our blog series on strokes that includes what to do in case you or someone you love maybe from suffering a stroke or TIA and talk to your medical professional about assessing your risk. To obtain the full study and findings, please visit:www.ahajournals.org/