Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Temporary ischemic attack is a short stroke. TIA does not cause permanent brain damage. However, this condition is a warning that sufferers may be at risk of having a more severe stroke in the future.

Mild strokes occur suddenly and only last a few minutes or a few hours. Victims can recover in a day. However, treatment for minor strokes must be done immediately to prevent the development of ischemic stroke or other more serious complications.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Causes of transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The cause of a mild stroke is the blockage of blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. Blockage is caused by plaque or air clots in the arteries, so the brain lacks oxygen and nutrient intake. This condition causes impaired brain function and triggers various symptoms.

Unlike a stroke, plaque or a lump of air that is responsible for AIT's self-destruction, so that brain function can return to normal. Because of this, TIA does not cause permanent damage.

Hypertension is a major risk factor that can trigger mild strokes. In addition, several other factors can increase the risk of mild stroke, namely:

  • More than 55 years old.
  • Male sex.
  • Have a family history of stroke.
  • Too much fatty food and high salt.
  • Adoption of unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, exercise, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages or drug use.
  • Suffer from certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol or sickle cell disease.

Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Symptoms of TIA or mild stroke are almost similar to a stroke. The difference is, a mild stroke lasts only a few minutes and the symptoms will go away on their own in a few hours.

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

  • The face, one side facing down and makes it difficult for people to smile and move their eyelids.
  • Arms, weak or paralyzed arms.
  • Speech, difficult or unclear speech.
  • Time, immediately contact medical staff so that treatment can be carried out immediately.

Besides observing the status of the patient by the FAST method, several other symptoms, such as:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Great headache
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Blind one or both eyes
  • Difficult to understand other people's words
  • Loss of balance and coordination of the body
When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if you have the TIA symptoms mentioned above or if you have a condition that can trigger a mild stroke, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. This action is done to prevent the risk of minor strokes or strokes.

If you have a mild stroke or if you see someone else having a TIA attack, see your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital. This attack can trigger a more serious stroke in the future. Therefore, handling as soon as possible must be done.
Diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA)
TIA attacks or minor strokes usually last quite briefly and occur suddenly. This condition causes the new patient to be examined after the disappearance of symptoms.

When diagnosing AIT, the doctor will ask about the symptoms and duration of the AIT attack on the patient. Physical examination with blood pressure measurements and examination of eye conditions will also be done. The doctor will also check the ability to coordinate, as well as the strength and response of the body.

To confirm the diagnosis and to detect the underlying cause of AIT, the doctor will carry out several other tests including:

  • Blood test to check cholesterol and blood sugar.
  • MRI and computed tomography, which can be used to check brain status, detect abnormalities, and find narrowing of blood vessels in the brain that can trigger TIA.
  • Carotid ultrasonography to detect narrowing that can occur in the carotid arteries of the neck.
  • Heart echo, to check the state of the heart and possible formation of blood clots in the heart that triggers AIT.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Cardiac angiography, to detect blockages or bleeding in the heart arteries.
  • Arteriography, to check the condition of blood vessels in the brain, usually by the groin arteries. 
Treatment of transient ischemic attack (TIA)

The type of treatment for TIA sufferers varies depending on the age, cause of stroke and the general condition of the patient. This treatment aims to treat disorders that cause minor strokes and to prevent the risk of more serious strokes. The types of treatments performed include:
Drug treatment

Treatment therapy aims to reduce the risk of stroke after a patient has had a mild stroke. The types of drugs given are:

  • Antiplatelet drug
This medicine helps prevent blood clots and clots. Examples are aspirin, clopidogrel and trifusal.
  • Antihypertensive medication
This medicine is used to relieve high blood pressure. Examples are ACE inhibitors, calcium antagonists and beta-blockers.
  • Statin drugs
This drug works to reduce high cholesterol levels in the blood. Examples are atorvastatin, simvastatin and rosuvastatin.
  • anticoagulant
The function of this drug is almost similar to antiplatelet drugs as anticoagulants, but is given to people with TIA with arrhythmias. Example: warfarin, heparin or rivaroxaban.

operation
Surgical procedure is done if there is a narrowing of the neck arteries (carotid) which is quite serious. With this operation, the doctor will remove and clean plaque that narrows blood vessels. This procedure is called endarterectomy (endarterectomy).

In some cases, the doctor will also perform an angioplasty procedure to treat AIT. This procedure is done using equipment that looks like a balloon, to overcome the blocked arteries and place a small wire tube (stent) so that the arteries remain open.
Complications of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A mild stroke lasts only briefly and does not cause permanent disruption 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 precisely to avoid this complication.
Prevention of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)

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

  • Maintain ideal body weight.
  • Eat healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables, and avoid foods that are high in fat, cholesterol and salt.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stop smoking and don't drink alcohol.
  • Avoid using drugs.
  • Treat various conditions that can trigger mild strokes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Perform regular health checks.

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