Definition of Mini-Stroke
A mini-stroke (also called a transient ischemic attack) is a momentary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. It is called a "mini-stroke" because it can cause a milder version of the symptoms resulting from stroke. Some people may suffer no symptoms at all, while others may suffer temporary side effects that mimic those of an actual stroke. For instance, people who have mini-strokes often suffer from speech pathologies, mental "fog," motor difficulties, and so forth. Sadly, there is little that can be done about mini-strokes, though the good news is that people who have them regain their abilities in the next few hours or days after their mini-stroke. Yet, it is important to note that mini-strokes often precede full-blown strokes.
Symptoms of Mini-Stroke
Mini-stroke entails many symptoms, because the brain controls every part of the body and a mini-stroke can affect any part of the brain. Regardless of which part of the brain it hits, a mini-stroke often causes a fleeting group of symptoms related to that part of the brain. For instance, if a person suffers a mini-stroke in the cerebellum, he will likely experience a momentary inability to move properly, especially on one side of the body. In addition, a person whose visual cortex is affected by the mini-stroke may suffer temporary loss of vision.
Repercussions of Mini-Stroke
In the vast majority of cases, a mini-stroke does not cause lasting physical damage as does normal stroke. People may suffer painful or difficult symptoms for a period of seconds to hours, though the symptoms usually dissipate after 24 hours. However, it is essential that people who have suffered a mini-stroke contact their doctors immediately, even by going to an emergency room, because mini-strokes often precede full-blown strokes. A doctor will take immediate steps to diagnose a case of possible stroke, and put the patient on anti-platelet medication or perform surgery to eliminate their greater risk of suffering a severe stroke.
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