Mini Stroke

A stroke is the sudden death of a portion of the brain cells due to a lack of oxygen. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is damaged resulting in abnormal function of brain. It is caused by blockage of artery to brain or bleeding in brain.

A stroke which is caused by blockage or artery by clot is called as Mini Stroke.

Mini stroke or Ishchemic attack occurs when oxygen supply is cut off to an area of the brain. Effects and symptoms of this stroke last less than 24 hours and usually less than 10 minutes. Risk of receiving such attack in future is always there. The term mini stroke is not accurate though it is commonly used. Mini strokes are warning signals of a future stroke and are real emergencies.

Risk factors for a mini stroke are similar to those for heart disease high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, obesity and a family history of stroke or heart disease.

Men are at greater risk than women.Risk increases for people who are above 45 years of age. People in their 70s and 0s are at the greatest risk for mini stroke. Symptoms of mini stroke appear and then go away as the human body has the ability to restore blood flow to the affected part of the brain under these situations. Mostly small blood clots that form within blood vessels can be broken down using the body’s own protective mechanism.

Most mini strokes will not affect the functionality of survivor. Sometimes weakness in one side of body or part of body is there. But the survivors are doing well otherwise.

Normally use of anticoagulation, which minimizes blood clotting, is prescribed. Treatment for high/low blood pressure is recommended. In diabetic patients controlling the blood sugar level may minimize the size of a stroke. Blood clot dissolving drugs are used. Oxygen is administered when necessary. To increase the functional abilities of the patient’s rehabilitation process is started if necessary.

Since mini stroke is signal to take precautions, patients should be given information about the effects and ways to avoid the stroke. Risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked often.

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