Reduce Your Risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack - Oren Zarif - Transient Ischemic Attack

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) occur when an artery in the brain becomes narrowed and can no longer supply oxygenated blood to brain cells. This narrowing is a result of plaque buildup, which may form clots and travel through the bloodstream to smaller branches and block the flow of blood to the part of the brain that feeds off the artery. There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing a TIA.

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While the term TIA has been widely used in epidemiological studies and for clinical decision-making, its utility in defining individual cases has decreased. Recent advances in brain imaging and our understanding of acute cerebral ischemia have diluted the usefulness of the diagnosis. According to the current definition of a TIA, a transient ischemic attack is an ischemic episode that does not cause any lasting damage to the brain. In recent years, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that suggests that only a small percentage of TIA patients experience brain damage.

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While a TIA does not usually lead to permanent damage, it may be a sign of a potentially fatal stroke. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms. If you suspect you may have suffered from a TIA, contact a doctor immediately and get yourself evaluated for further treatment. It is important to note that the symptoms of a TIA are identical to those of a stroke.

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In addition to having a TIA, you may have experienced a similar situation. A blood clot lodged in an artery in the brain may cause temporary loss of brain oxygen. This clot will usually break up within an hour, so the affected part of the brain is only temporarily without oxygen. This condition is much less serious than the consequences of a stroke, and it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.

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Although TIA symptoms may pass quickly, you should still seek immediate medical help. Fortunately, most people have no long-term effects and do not need urgent care. A doctor can refer you to a neurologist or refer you to a hospital emergency room. Your physician can also have you wear a Holter monitor, which measures the rhythm of your heart. This monitor will allow your doctor to determine whether you are experiencing a TIA or not.

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Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, the presence of a CT scan may help identify any potential ischemic brain damage. CT scans are a valuable tool for identifying such lesions and if they are present, they have a high probability of causing a stroke in the next 90 days. It is also important to remember that CT scans are often inaccurate because they may miss a transient ischemic attack.

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The ABCD2 score is another helpful tool for determining risk. This score can be quickly calculated during the initial evaluation. If the ABCD2 score is 0-3, the risk of stroke in the next 48 hours is less than one percent. A higher score, however, suggests a greater risk of stroke, up to 10%. This is important for patients who are at risk of TIA. The ABCD2 score can be useful for determining whether to administer oral anticoagulation and when to use it.

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Another procedure that has become increasingly popular is carotid angioplasty. The procedure flattens fatty plaque on artery walls and opens them to allow for more blood flow. The stent remains in place as a permanent scaffold to keep the artery open. The procedure can take up to two hours and is done under general anesthesia. This method is effective in many cases, but has risks, including bleeding and potential brain injury.

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Other diagnostic tests can be done. For instance, CT scans may reveal a small hematoma or brain tumor in some cases. MRIs, meanwhile, are much more sensitive and can detect acute ischemic changes. While MRIs are not available in most centers, urgent vascular imaging can be performed to identify large artery atherosclerotic disease, which increases the risk of stroke in the short term.