Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - Symptoms, causes and treatment

A transient ischemic attack or minor stroke is a stroke that lasts a short time. TIA does not cause permanent brain damage. However, this condition is a warning that the sufferer is at risk of having a more severe stroke in the future.

Minor strokes occur suddenly and last only a matter of minutes or hours. The sufferer can recover within one day. However, treatment of minor stroke needs to be done immediately to prevent ischemic stroke or other more serious complications.

Causes of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The cause of a minor stroke is a blockage in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. Blockage is caused by plaque or air clots in the arteries, so the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients. This condition causes impaired brain function and triggers various symptoms.

Unlike a stroke, the plaque or air clot that causes a TIA will self-destruct, so that brain function can return to normal. Therefore, TIA does not cause permanent damage.

Hypertension is a major risk factor that can trigger a minor stroke. In addition, there are several other factors that can increase a person's risk of having a mild stroke, namely:

  • Over the age of 55 years.
  • Male gender.
  • Have a history of stroke in the family.
  • Eating too many fatty and high salt foods.
  • Leading an unhealthy lifestyle, such as smoking, infrequent exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, or using illegal drugs.
  • Suffering from certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, or sickle cell anemia.

Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The symptoms of a TIA or minor stroke are almost the same as those of a stroke. The difference is, a minor stroke only lasts a few minutes and symptoms will go away on their own in a matter of hours.

The best way to look for signs of a stroke is with the FAST test. This test includes several indicators, namely:

  • Face, one side of the face down and makes it difficult for the sufferer to smile and move the eyelids.
  • Arms, weak or paralyzed arms.
  • Speech, speak slurred or unclear.
  • time, immediately contact a medical officer so that treatment can be carried out immediately.

In addition to observing the patient's condition with the FAST method, minor strokes can also be recognized from several other symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache or tingling in the head.
  • Difficult to swallow
  • Impaired vision in one or both eyes
  • Difficult to understand the other person's words
  • Loss of balance and body coordination

When to go to the doctor

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms of a TIA as mentioned above or have conditions that can trigger a minor stroke, such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. This action is taken to prevent the risk of a minor stroke or stroke.

If you have had a minor stroke or see someone else having a TIA, seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest hospital. This attack can trigger a stroke that is more severe in the future. Therefore, immediate treatment needs to be done.

Diagnosis of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

TIA attacks or minor strokes are generally quite short and occur suddenly. This condition causes the patient to get a new examination after the symptoms subside.

In diagnosing a TIA, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and duration of the TIA attack experienced by the patient. A physical examination with blood pressure measurements and an eye examination will also be performed. The doctor will also check your coordination ability, as well as your body's strength and response.

To confirm the diagnosis and detect the underlying cause of a TIA, the doctor will perform several follow-up examinations consisting of:

  • Blood tests, to check cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood.
  • MRI and CT scans, to examine the condition of the brain, as well as detect abnormalities and the location of narrowed blood vessels in the brain that can trigger a TIA.
  • Carotid ultrasound, to detect possible narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck.
  • Cardiac echo, to check the condition of the heart and the possibility of blood clots forming in the heart that trigger a TIA.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG), to detect abnormalities in the heart rhythm.
  • Cardiac angiography, to detect blockages or bleeding in the blood vessels of the heart.
  • Arteriography, to check the condition of the blood vessels in the brain, usually through the veins in the groin.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Treatment

The type of treatment for TIA sufferers varies, depending on age, the cause of the stroke, and the patient's overall condition. This treatment aims to treat disorders that trigger minor strokes and prevent the risk of a more severe stroke. Types of treatment performed include:

drug therapy

Drug therapy is done to reduce the risk of stroke after the patient has had a minor stroke. The types of drugs given are:

  • Antiplatelet drugs

    This drug works to prevent blood clots and clots. Examples are aspirin, clopidogrel, and trifusal.

  • Antihypertensive drugs

    This drug is used to relieve high blood pressure. The example is ACE inhibitor, calcium antagonists, and beta blockers.

  • Statin drugs

    This drug works to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. The example is atorvastatin, simvastatin, and rosuvastatin.

  • Anticoagulant drugs

    The function of this drug is almost similar to antiplatelet, as a blood thinner, but is given to TIA patients who have arrhythmias. The example is warfarin, heparin, or rivaroxaban.

Operation

The surgical procedure is performed if there is severe narrowing of the arteries in the neck (carotid). Through this surgery, the doctor will remove and clean the plaque that causes the arteries to narrow. This procedure is known as an endarterectomy.endarterectomy).

In some cases, the doctor will also perform an angioplasty procedure to treat a TIA. This procedure is performed using an apparatus resembling a balloon, to treat a blocked artery and place a small wire tube (stent) to keep the artery open.

Complications of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Minor strokes are short-lived and do not cause permanent harm to the body. However, this condition is a warning that sufferers are at high risk of having a stroke later in life.

Stroke can cause brain cell damage and trigger brain hemorrhage, seizures, and permanent paralysis. Therefore, treatment must be done quickly and appropriately to prevent this complication.

Prevention of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

The best way to reduce the risk of a minor stroke is to avoid risk factors and lead a healthy lifestyle. This step can be done by:

  • Maintain ideal body weight.
  • Eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating foods high in fat, cholesterol, and salt.
  • Do exercise regularly.
  • Quit smoking and don't drink alcohol.
  • Avoiding the use of NAPZA.
  • Treating various conditions that can trigger minor strokes, such as diabetes and hypertension.
  • Carry out regular health checks.