TIA Vs Stroke-
A TIA
- Usually is shorter duration, for minutes or lasts less than an hour.
- It could be a serious warning for an ischemic stroke -moreover the risk is highest in the first 48 hours post TIA.
- Usually associated with a focal neurologic deficit and thus occurs with a sudden onset.
A TIA is a sudden, focal neurological deficits of vascular origin lasting less than 24 whereas stroke lasts longer about 7 days.
Pathological Process
The decreased blood flow to the brain, therefore causes focal neurological symptoms. It occurs from either embolism or occlusion of small perforating arteries.
Resolution of symptoms probably occurs by compensation through collateral circulation. This therefore restores perfusion into the ischaemic area.
Risk factors-
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Advanced age
- Smoking and alcohol
- Obesity
- Improper diet
- Stress
- Lack of physical exercise
- Previous episode of stroke/ TIA.
.
Clinical Scenario-
Clinical manifestations will vary, depending on the vessel involved.
A TIA may last only minutes, therefore symptoms have often resolved early. Symptoms include changes in behaviour, speech, gait, memory, and also movement.
Patient education-
This includes importance of blood pressure control, discontinuing smoking and also eating a healthy diet. It also includes understanding symptoms and how to seek medical assistance.
The bottom line-
- Finding out why a transient ischemic attack may thus help preventing a recurrent stroke.
- A cardiac rehabilitation like program would be good to be introduced post TIA.
- It Is important to incorporate lifestyle modification and also work on them.
- Presence of comorbidities increases the risk for stroke.
- Episodes of stroke should seek medical assistance at the earliest.
- An earlier episode of TIA may be a risk of stroke hence such individuals should be screened.
- Regular exercise should be incorporated.
- Cardiac issues should be addressed.
Also read-https://vcurehealthcare.com/what-is-cardiac-arrest/