Mini–stroke, major health warning

    Each year, about 240,000 Americans experience mini–strokes. More than one–third of those individuals will suffer a severe stroke in the future. Half the time, the subsequent major stroke takes place within a year, but it can occur as quickly as days or months after the mini–stroke.
    A mini–stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), lasts for only a few minutes. Its symptoms appear suddenly and usually disappear within one hour. All effects generally last no longer than 24 hours. As a result, mini–stroke sufferers can fail to realize what happened to them and not seek treatment. But a mini–stroke—which occurs when the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted—signals that your body needs immediate medical attention. Prompt evaluation and treatment can help you avoid a major stroke and its life-threatening effects.

    Mini–stroke symptoms resemble those of a stroke but generally involve no brain damage. Warning signs may include:

    • weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, typically on one side of the body

    • vision loss

    • confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding

    • dizziness or loss of coordination or balance

    • sudden severe headache

    Doctors believe mini–strokes occur when blood clots temporarily obstruct blood flow to the brain. Additional research suggests some mini–strokes may be caused by brain artery spasms.

    A medical exam within an hour of a mini–stroke helps doctors determine what caused the attack and outline treatment to help prevent a major stroke. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce blood clotting or recommend surgery to clear plaque from arteries.

    Older individuals, African–Americans and people who have a strong family history of heart disease, stroke and diabetes are more susceptible to mini–stroke and stroke. But you can decrease your chances of both by:

    • eating a well–balanced diet

    • exercising regularly

    • working closely with your doctor to avoid developing cardiovascular disease

    • keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar within healthy limits

    • losing excess pounds

    • quitting smoking